Doha: The Arabic Heritage Programme at Georgetown Qatar University (GU-Q) held a roundtable on teaching Arabic in the context of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) and comparing it to other references and frameworks, such as the standards of the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
The roundtable hosted four sessions, featuring experts.
Dr Yehia Abdelmobdy Mohamed, Assistant Professor of Arabic, GU-Q, and organiser of the roundtable, said discussion started by comparing ACTFL to the European framework with regard to its historical and cultural contexts, vision, goals and description of standards and linguistic levels.
The roundtable also highlighted CEFRL’s linguistic levels and skills, designing curricula, tests and assessment tools according to the framework.
Some papers during discussion elaborated on unique characteristics of the Arabic language and its cultural ingredients. Types of students commonly known as ‘Heritage Learners’ were also discussed.
Panel moderators included Professor Mahmoud Al Ashiri and Professor Hany Fazza. Professor Abbas Al Tonsi, Director of the Arabic Programme, initiated discussion with a speech on the development of GU-Q’s Arabic Language and Culture Programme.
He also spoke about the goals of the roundtable and theoretical frameworks for teaching Arabic to Arabs and non-Arabs. The final session discussed Arabic pedagogy and theoretical frameworks in light of previous panel discussions. Participants recommended continuing such discussions to come up with tangible results and progress in terms of the assessment tools and proficiency tests.
The event was part of the Arabic Heritage Programme’s cultural and academic activities. Initiated in 2007, the programme teaches Arabic language, culture and literature to Arabs and non-Arabs. The roundtable’s first edition last year discussed teaching Arabic language in GCC universities.
The Peninsula
