Tunis: The Arabic Language Education Centre for the Gulf States (ALECGS) participated in an international academic forum organised by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALESCO) in cooperation with the Computational Linguistics Laboratory at Manouba Faculty in Tunisia.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum, titled 'The Integrated Approach to Teaching Arabic Language Skills to Non-Native Speakers: Contemporary Challenges and Prospects for Pedagogical and Technological Development', convened experts and specialised regional and international institutions in the field. The event addressed the evolving landscape of teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, urging a reevaluation of traditional educational methodologies. Discussions centered on enhancing learners' capacity for authentic communication, considering the distinct characteristics of the Arab linguistic community and the variation between Modern Standard Arabic and colloquial usage.
The forum explored three main academic themes. The first theme addressed integrated curriculum design and the management of linguistic diglossia. The second theme delved into applied linguistics and technological innovation, encompassing artificial intelligence applications, natural language processing, and digital learning advancements. The third theme involved assessment and evaluation, the Common Arab Framework of Reference, and the potential for aligning international standards, examinations, and certifications.
ALECGS contributed significantly to the forum through a presentation by Dr Issa Saleh Al Hammadi, Director of the Centre in Sharjah. His paper, titled 'The Centre's Efforts to Develop Arabic Language Teaching and Learning for Non-Native Speakers', outlined the centre's key initiatives, including studies, research, training programs, and the organisation of the International Arabic Language Conference in Sharjah. These initiatives underscore ALECGS's commitment to enhancing Arabic language education for non-native speakers, broadening its accessibility and learning opportunities.
The presentation also spotlighted ALECGS's research and development projects aimed at advancing Arabic language teaching methodologies for non-native speakers. Such projects include the 2021 Quality Standards for Arabic Educational Institutions for Non-Native Speakers, a study on preparing Arabic language teachers in line with contemporary international norms, and the 2018 Standard Levels Framework for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers.
Dr Al Hammadi detailed the centre's training programs designed to elevate Arabic language education for non-native speakers. These programs encompass specialised training for professionals in this field, alongside online courses focused on the reference framework for teaching Arabic to speakers of other languages, addressing aspects of authoring, teaching, and training. These initiatives aim to bolster the expertise of specialists in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers.
The forum concluded with a general discussion among experts, researchers, and specialists. This discourse centered on formulating strategic recommendations to advance Arabic language education for non-native speakers, fostering integration between educational approaches and digital innovation, and supporting the creation of an Arab reference framework for assessment and evaluation. The proposed framework aspires to align with the demands of 21st-century learners, promoting the evolution of Arabic language education and its teaching practices, along with educational and technological tools.