Mission

To provide instruction and opportunities to learn Arabic for Non Native Speakers from diverse linguistic, religious and national backgrounds at Qatar University.


History, evolution and objectives:

The program was first incepted as an academic unit within the Arabic Language Department by University regulation 7, enacted by the University President in 1986. The program has since served over 600 students representing more than 50 nationalities. Beginning in the Academic Year 2006-07, the program has operated under a separate management, independent of the Arabic Language Department, and has developed its separate mission, its vision and objectives, most important of which are the following:

• To contribute to the continuing dialogue and mutual understanding between nations and world civilizations and foster tolerance and open interaction among them.
   
• To promote the Arabic language and opportunities to learn it and about the role of Arab contributions to knowledge and human civilization
•  

Methodology

In teaching Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the program uses the communicative language approach, which includes the use of multimedia with a focus on the variety of the language used throughout the Arabic speaking world, especially in print and electronic media, and in educational and academic settings, as well as other aspects of daily life. The program offers a number of courses designed to develop all skills; i.e. listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural knowledge. In addition to formal classes, the program includes excursions and cultural activities in the larger Doha community and its attractions where Arabic is used. Trips to museums, the Al Jazeera television studios and recreation sites are an integral part of the program. Student participation in these curricular and extracurricular activities links the language acquired in class to the real world of the larger Qatari and Arab contexts.


Faculty

The program employs a number of full-time Qatar University faculty with academic credentials and varied experience in teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers. Classes are normally of a small size with an average of 10-15 students in the beginning and Intermediate levels and up to 10 in the advanced levels. The program has provided language instruction services and maintained associations and agreements with public and private sector organizations in Qatar as well as educational institutions throughout the world.

 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Dr. Abdulla Abderrahmane - Program Director (E-mail: abdouabdou@qu.edu.qa Tel: (+974) 403-4583