10th Linguistic Council Highlights Innovative Arabic Teaching Methodologies For Non-Native Speakers

Dr. Khalid Abu Amsha, an applied linguistics professor and Arabic teaching expert, discussed the challenges in education at the 10th Linguistic Council. He stressed that transferring knowledge innovatively is crucial. Teachers should speak for only 20% of a lesson, allowing students to engage more. He believes teaching is a shared journey with learners, requiring educators to continually learn and adapt.

Dr. Abu Amsha highlighted the UAE's initiatives that support Arabic education. These include the National Arabic Language Document, its updated version, and the "Arabic Unites Us" series. He also mentioned standards for teacher preparation and professional ethics. These frameworks aim to enhance Arabic's role in education by aligning educational goals with student needs.

Incorporating these standards into curricula ensures lessons meet student needs and empower teachers beyond textbook theories. Dr. Abu Amsha warned against students merely memorising prepared approaches, as this diminishes motivation and engagement in classrooms. Instead, he advocated for a task-based teaching model that connects language learning to students' daily experiences.

Dr. Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, opened the event by stating: "Non-native Arabic-speaking students are ambassadors of the Arabic language to the world. They transport it to new horizons and express its beauty and profound meanings to various cultures, thereby enriching its global presence."

Dr. Abu Amsha emphasised that teaching Arabic to non-native speakers requires educators with broad knowledge across various fields. This expertise helps them connect language learning with practical vocabulary and structures relevant to everyday life. Such an approach facilitates effective language acquisition among students.

The event focused on "characteristics and traits of Arabic teachers for non-native speakers" based on international and Emirati standards. Dr. Abu Amsha serves as a trainer at CESCO and Academic Director at Qasid Institute, further highlighting his commitment to advancing Arabic education.

He also acknowledged His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's dedication to promoting the Arabic language globally from Sharjah. His efforts ensure the language's enduring legacy among nations by addressing its challenges both locally and internationally.

The council underscored how essential it is for educators to go beyond traditional methods and adapt to changing classroom dynamics. By doing so, they can foster a more engaging learning environment that motivates students effectively.

The discussions at the council highlighted how innovative teaching methods can transform classrooms into dynamic spaces where students actively participate in their learning journey rather than passively absorbing information.

With inputs from WAM