AboutLe Anne Clausen Expertise I can answer questions on Arab culture, including differences in cultures among Arab countries and sub-groups. I can also answer questions on Christian-Muslim relations, interfaith issues in general, and human rights and peacemaking issues in the Middle East.
Experience I was a human rights worker for four years in the Middle East, and have spent time in Palestine, Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. I speak intermediate Arabic; some Hebrew; and am starting Persian (Farsi, Dari). I have led a half-dozen educational delegations to the area for North American groups; and I have led trainings for nearly a thousand international human rights volunteers coming into the area over my years there. I am now working to launch an interfaith peace-teams based human rights organization, hopefully in the next two years. I am also currently editing the manuscript for my first book, a firsthand account of my time in the Middle East
Publications "Be the Healers," (next steps after Abu Ghraib) The Lutheran magazine, July 2004.
www.christian-muslim.net
www.seminaryaction.org
www.young-activist.blogspot.com
Multiple press releases which I wrote from the field, as well as media interviews/articles about my work are also available via Google search.
Education/Credentials I have an MA in Christian-Muslim relations; and I am now continuing my studies at Chicago Theological Seminary (www.ctschicago.edu). I also have a BA in Religion concentrating in global service, from Wartburg College, (www.wartburg.edu).
Awards and Honors I received the Dell Award for Peace and Justice from Wartburg College. I have spoken and led workshops and trainings at over one hundred church congregations, colleges, schools, organizations
Question When a woman marries an Arab man and she takes his last name, in that society does she place an Al before his last name? Is there anything added before his last name?
Answer Hi Izzie, and thanks for your question. Basically, it all depends. I've more frequently seen 'al-(name)' used as describing the region or family clan from which one comes, rather than as a marriage name. Such as, Mary al-Khalili, is Mary from Hebron. My married female friends tend to just tack on the husband's last name, without the al. If you know someone who has this in their married last name, it might just be best to ask them about their family practices. Regional differences abound!
