Arabic for Global Exchange

Arabic for Global Exchange is a course in Arabic language and culture that utilizes cognitive learning technologies and computer-assisted language instruction to enhance educational, governmental, and business exchanges that are increasingly vital to public policy and economic development in the global economy. This is a mini-course for individuals with no proficiency or extremely limited knowledge of Arabic language and culture who are about to begin study or work in an Arabic-speaking context.

The course introduces learners to basic concepts and information to facilitate entry and engagement in an Arabic-speaking environment. The Arabic for Global Exchange project aims to meet a need for high quality, communication-oriented instructional materials to introduce basic cultural knowledge and survival language.

Arabic for Global Exchange is a six-week, six-lesson, half-semester course (equivalent of six weeks of university-level instruction), or roughly sixty hours of student effort. The course will be available in two formats: one a controlled-access version for students taking the course for academic credit, and the other, a free and open version for independent learners on the Internet. Each of the six lessons in the course includes texts and activities to promote acquisition of cultural content in English as well as basic introductory exposure to the Arabic language.

Cultural content

Cultural content invites exploration of topics and learning objectives in six complementary areas.

• Lesson 1: The Diversity of the Arabic-Speaking World
  Introduces students to the changing demographics and diversity of the Arab World.
• Lesson 2: Historical Aspects of Islam
  Guides students to learn background information on the history of Islam in the Middle East and consider the role that the religion plays in everyday life in society.
• Lesson 3: Political Governance
  Introduces students to political systems of the Arab World.
• Lesson 4: Family and Society
  Guides students to explore the institution and importance of the family, the empowerment deficit that women face, and the symbolism of wearing the hijab.
• Lesson 5: America and The Arab World
  Introduces students to the complexities of the Arab World’s relationship with the West seen through many of the society-shaping political, economic, and social issues that resonate in the Arab World today.
• Lesson 6: The Suk, the Ahwa, and a Bowl of Fresh Hummus
  Highlights places in the Arabic-speaking world of beauty, rich culture, and excitement.

Linguistic content

Linguistic content provides a brief introduction to the Arabic Language through focus on the following general topics and subtopics

• Lesson 1/ Greetings! Marhaba!
• Lesson 2/ Eating Out and Shopping
• Lesson 3/ Visit to a Home in the Arabic-Speaking World
• Lesson 4/ Traveling to an Arabic-Speaking Country
• Lesson 5/ Professional Meetings
• Lesson 6/ Common Expressions in Arabic

Through a variety of activities and practice exercises, the course fosters students’ engagement with diverse texts and multimedia resources including visual art, essays, literary works, position papers, articles from magazines and newspapers, photos, interviews, songs, and film clips, etc.