GU-Q Hosts Roundtable on Teaching Arabic in the Context of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The Arabic Heritage Program at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) has recently 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 the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

The roundtable hosted four sessions, featuring some notable experts in the field. Dr. Yehia Abdelmobdy Mohamed, Assistant Professor of Arabic at GU-Q and organizer of the roundtable, pointed out that the discussion started by comparing ACTFL to the European framework in regards to their historical and cultural contexts, vision, goals, and description of standards and linguistic levels for each of them.

The roundtable also highlighted CEFRL’s various linguistic levels and skills, in addition to designing curricula, tests and assessment tools according to this framework. Some papers that were presented throughout the discussions elaborated on the unique characteristics of the Arabic language and its cultural ingredients. Types of students that are commonly known as ‘Heritage Learners’ were also discussed.

Panel moderators included Professors Mahmoud Al Ashiri and Hany Fazza. Professor Abbas Al Tonsi, Director of the Arabic Program at GU-Q, initiated the roundtable discussion by delivering a speech about the development of GU-Q’s Arabic Language and Culture Program. He also gave an introduction about the goals of these discussions and the theoretical frameworks for teaching Arabic to Arabs and non-Arabs. The final session featured an elaborated discussion on Arabic pedagogy and the theoretical frameworks in light of the previous panel discussions. Participants recommended continuing to hold such discussions in order to come up with tangible results and progress in terms of the assessment tools and proficiency tests.

The event is part of the Arabic Heritage Program’s cultural and academic activities. Initiated in 2007, the program teaches Arabic language, culture and literature to Arabs and non-Arabs. The roundtable’s first edition held last year witnessed discussions on teaching Arabic language in GCC universities.