Last post,I promise.

Honestly one of the main issues i have had with researching the cultural aspect of the middle east is that i have a reservation that what i am seeing is "westernized".Does this make sense?I know it is a little off topic of this specific tribe,but in part i believe the study of language is so important in order to be a more rounded and articulate person and this notion of seeing an incomplete picture bothers me greatly.What suggestions is any are there for someone who does live in the united states to buddy up and practice with naturalized peoples who speak arabic?(a language they no longer teach at uni, here)

thank you,
Dellaena