SAUDI ARABIA: A new Arabic language institute in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter, which hosts all foreign embassies to Saudi Arabia, teaches Arabic to non-native speakers

Record ID: 188965

  • Title: SAUDI ARABIA: A new Arabic language institute in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter, which hosts all foreign embassies to Saudi Arabia, teaches Arabic to non-native speakers
  • Date: 24th April 2012
  • Summary: COMPUTER SCREEN WITH STUDENT WRITING ARABIC LETTER ON SCREEN
  • Embargoed: 9th May 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia
  • Country: Saudi Arabia
  • Topics: International Relations,Education,Education
  • Reuters ID: LVA2I9420WKCZNYYDTEBYEG4ONFF
  • Story Text: A new Arabic language institute in the Saudi capital is drawing interest from many non-native speakers seeking greater understanding of the country's culture and traditions through learning its language.
    The Arab Institute for Arabic Language (ARABI), situated in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter -- host to all foreign embassies -- integrates traditional teaching methods with advanced learning through computers, online course material and "play and learn" approaches for youngsters.
    The institute runs under the banner "Your Gate to Cultural Communication".
    "The difficulty is in the beginning, during the early stages when they are pronouncing the letters. Once one perfects the pronunciation of the letters, then the will move forward rapidly and will even be reading street signs as he walks," said Dr. Ahead al-Sharif, a consultant of educational affairs at ARABI.
    "Of course, they initially need three language courses: elementary, intermediate and advanced courses. These are the basics and are covered in six months. If they successfully pass them in six months, then they can move onto advanced, unlimited progress," he added.
    The institute offers a number of courses tailored to students' needs, including courses for diplomats, healthcare workers and businessmen and traders.
    Salvatore Virgillito is an Italian architect working in Riyadh. He said the course will help him further his understanding of the culture.
    "It is very important when I work in a place to understand the culture and to understand the culture, it is very important to understand the language, the communication is the first thing and it's very, very important for me," he said.
    An American student hoped the course will help him communicate with his Saudi friends.
    "I have been in Riyadh about nine months and everyone that I work for, they are Saudis, and people who work for me, they are Saudis, and even though our business is all conducted in English, I need to know what my friends are speaking," said American student Jim.
    The institute also offers resources for learning online.
    "We electronically record the lessons with audio so the students can listen to them again on our website or by taking them in the form of a CD to listen to them in the future or re-listen to them at home," said Feras Suliman, a teacher at ARABI.
    The General Manager of the institute said the aim was to establish an exciting programme that worked around people's busy schedules and enticed them through flexibility.
    "There are at least five million non-arabic speakers residing in the Kingdom and they need to be able to learn the Arabic language and need a centre that is flexible, which can provide this service at various hours in the day, can work around the clock and also be able to provide the service at its location or at the location of the customer," Jumaan al-Kahtani told Reuters.
    The institute also offers a six-level programme especially tailored to youngsters.
    "What I like about the Arabic language is pronunciation, the way it's written, everything. I want to read it and learn it. I've been here for seven years and Saudi Arabia is a good place to learn Arabic," said Argentinean student Jameel.
    "I am learning the Arabic language because it is the language of the Koran and Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon Him," said another student, Mohamad from Pakistan.
    In addition to in-class sessions, ARABI also offers cultural and touristic activities, communication and social activities and collective projects to help with learning Arabic.
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