In early December, the Al Jazeera Media Institute's "Learn Arabic" program rolled out its latest series of courses aimed at teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. Employees from the Al Jazeera Media Network as well as learners from over 28 countries around the globe have enrolled in these courses, which are supervised by professors and linguistic experts. The teaching approach is based on internationally recognized curriculums, and students who pass the final exam and oral interview are awarded a certified diploma from the Al Jazeera Media Institute.
Following the registration process, the institute's specialized evaluation committee conducts assessment interviews. These are based on the criteria set out by the Common European Framework of Reference, with the intent to classify students into various linguistic levels ranging from beginner to advanced. This ensures that students are placed into levels commensurate with their current language skills.
The educational journey within this program provides a structured progression through the Arabic language, beginning with the alphabet and basics, moving through grammar and vocabulary acquisition, and culminating in a fluency that enables students to engage in intellectual discussions in Arabic.
Beyond language instruction, the program integrates a cultural component that immerses students in the Arabic cultural milieu, furthering their understanding of traditions and customs prevalent in Arabic-speaking societies. This contributes to their comprehensive grasp of the language and its cultural context.
These courses reflect the Al Jazeera Media Institute's commitment to preserving the Arabic language as a vessel of Arab culture and a tool for Arabic media. The aim is to integrate non-Arab Al Jazeera employees into the Arab community and strengthen their communication bonds.
In a related context, the Arabic learning platform celebrated the International Day of the Arabic Language by conducting several interviews with individuals dedicated to promoting and teaching Arabic. These included initiative leaders, content creators, and linguistic experts, who discussed topics through the social media channels of the program.
The discussions honed in on linguistic issues of particular concern to those teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. Hosts Ibrahim Mansour and Ahmed Tahseen engaged with guests on topics such as the digitization of Arabic linguistics, spreading Arabic on social media, challenges faced, and the most effective teaching theories and methodologies.
The discussions also featured foreigners who have learned and mastered Arabic to the extent of becoming teachers themselves, as well as content creators geared towards serving the Arabic language.
"Learn Arabic" is one of the Al Jazeera Media Institute's initiatives aimed at promoting and teaching the Arabic language through various educational courses, programs, and events. The initiative also provides free resources, lessons, and blogs for Arabic language teaching professionals on its website and social media pages.
