RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language recently celebrated the graduation of the first class from its Abjad Center for Arabic Language Education with a ceremony marking the completion of the program by 132 students from 34 countries.
The educational program began in mid-January at the academy’s headquarters in the Saudi capital, and featured an immersive program that combined Arabic language education with Arab and Saudi cultural experiences.
Four educational levels — A1, A2, B1 and B2 — each spanned two months, totaling 160 instructional hours at a rate of 20 hours per week.
Abdullah Al-Washmi, secretary-general of KSGAAL, said: “The graduation of the first cohort from the Abjad Center aligns with our suite of educational programs designed for non-native Arabic learners. The center offers an engaging curriculum within a stimulating cultural environment, facilitating Arabic language acquisition and enabling graduates to communicate effectively in Arabic.”
Al-Washmi said that the program’s graduates accomplished four crucial objectives: attaining proficiency in Arabic language skills, successfully applying written and oral Arabic techniques across various linguistic challenges, demonstrating effective linguistic and social communication in diverse Arab settings, and gaining insights into key elements of Arab and Saudi cultures.
“Our program’s hallmark was its emphasis on dynamic dialogues, diverse perspectives, and both verbal and written exchanges,” Al-Washmi said.
“Students found opportunities for self-expression and practical language application in a variety of contexts, both within our structured activities and in everyday life outside the program. They also leveraged media and social platforms for effective communication and encountered a wide range of information and viewpoints, all in Arabic.”
The Abjad Center promotes Arabic language and Saudi Arabian culture as part of its core mission. Students took part in a blend of activities and educational excursions, exploring local customs, traditions, and tourist hotspots. This approach not only deepened their cultural understanding, but also honed their Arabic proficiency in speaking, writing, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Al-Washmi highlighted the center’s approach to Arabic language and exposure to Saudi culture, which exposes learners to Saudi heritage, customs, and traditions, while also introducing the Kingdom’s tourist and archaeological sites.
“Through enrichment activities and educational field trips, students gain a deeper understanding of Saudi culture,” Al-Washmi said.
“This comprehensive approach not only clarifies concepts related to Arabic language structures, vocabulary, phonetics, and spelling, but also allows students to practically apply Arabic language skills in both spoken and written forms.”
