When Language Becomes a Life Story

Yemenat

Mohammed Al–Mekhalfi

I have always been drawn to moments when a simple passion for learning transforms into a life rich in knowledge and generosity. This is precisely what I discovered in the journey of Professor Abdelrahman Al-Dirbiji.

From his early years in high school, he was never content with merely attending English classes. He read texts with great care, pausing at every sentence to reflect on its meaning, striving to understand what lay beyond the words rather than settling for correct pronunciation alone.

This habit of deep attention and sincere effort marked the beginning of a long journey—one in which texts naturally became an integral part of his daily life and thought.

His academic path began in Sudan, where he completed his secondary education entirely in English, studying all subjects except Arabic and Islamic Studies.

He was never a passive learner. Alongside his studies, he actively participated in language-related activities, becoming a dynamic member of the English Language Club and later serving as editor-in-chief of its monthly magazine.

In 1973, he enrolled in the English Department at the Faculty of Arts, University of Islamic Omdurman, graduating with honors in June 1977. His university years were marked by vibrant extracurricular involvement that enriched his academic experience and strengthened his social skills.

After returning to Yemen, he was appointed as a teaching assistant in the English Department at Sana’a University. In August 1978, he chose to pursue postgraduate studies abroad and enrolled at Portland State University in Oregon, USA.

There, he devoted himself fully to his studies and earned a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature in May 1980, with a GPA exceeding 3.5. Alongside his studies, he taught English to non-native speakers, gaining valuable early teaching experience.

In August 1980, he began his doctoral studies in Teaching English as