315 Learners Successfully Complete Hamza Arabic Language Proficiency Test By KSGAAL

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) recently held the Arabic language proficiency test, known as Hamza, for non-native speakers. This event took place in collaboration with seven Saudi universities and marked the first time 315 individuals took the test in person. The academy's Secretary-General, Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, highlighted the support from Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan for all academy initiatives.

Dr. Al-Washmi expressed appreciation for the partnership with Saudi universities in this initiative. The participating institutions include Umm Al-Qura University, the Islamic University of Madinah, King Abdulaziz University, King Faisal University, Taif University, Qassim University, and Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. Since its inception, seven Hamza tests have been conducted for 1,979 learners both within Saudi Arabia and internationally.

Launched in December 2023, the Hamza test is administered not only in Saudi Arabia but also in countries like China, Indonesia, and India. This year saw its global online availability, underscoring Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting Arabic worldwide. This aligns with the Human Capability Development Program under Saudi Vision 2030. The test aims to establish a globally recognized standard of linguistic proficiency among learners of Arabic as a second language.

The Hamza test evaluates non-native speakers' abilities across four key language skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking. It follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A team of specialists developed the assessment system by comparing it with international standards and conducting surveys on accredited language tests to set benchmarks.

The academy's mission includes raising the status of the Arabic language and providing valuable insights to universities and language institutes about their students' proficiency levels. The test serves as a tool for these institutions to assess non-native speakers' capabilities effectively. It also supports KSGAAL's strategic aim of fostering cooperation with entities teaching Arabic both domestically and abroad.

This initiative facilitates the dissemination of correct spoken and written Arabic usage while enhancing teaching methods. By establishing linguistic proficiency criteria and sub-indicators through global examination analysis, KSGAAL ensures that learners are evaluated accurately based on established standards.

The academy's efforts reflect its dedication to building bridges with organisations involved in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers worldwide. This approach not only promotes cultural exchange but also strengthens educational ties between Saudi Arabia and other nations.

With inputs from SPA