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The first episode of Season Two of QFI’s podcast, All Things Arabic, explores what it takes to build and sustain successful Arabic language programs.
The first episode of Season Two of QFI’s podcast, All Things Arabic, is titled “Building Sustainable Arabic Language Programs: Insights from Educators.” (The episode begins with a summary lasting through 3:28, followed by the full conversation).
Hosted by Caroline Sibley, Teaching Assistant Professor of Arabic in North Carolina, this episode features Jessica Haxhi, Supervisor of World Languages in Connecticut, and Samir Gibrial, Arabic Educator in Delaware. Drawing from their diverse experiences, the guests offer insights into what makes Arabic language programs thrive over time.
Together, they explore how to build sustainable Arabic language programs, navigate common challenges, and engage communities to support new initiatives. They reflect on the broader impact of Arabic education—how it enriches school communities and prepares students for global engagement. The conversation also addresses the need to bridge learning gaps between K–12 and higher education, offering practical strategies—from funding models to classroom practices—to strengthen program continuity and improve student outcomes.
Produced by QFI to advance the value of teaching and learning Arabic as a global language.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Qatar Foundation International (QFI).
Join us for a special episode of QFI’s Podcast All Things Arabic podcast in celebration of World Arabic Language Day, premiering December 18, 2024!
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Join us for a special episode of QFI’s Podcast All Things Arabic podcast in celebration of World Arabic Language Day, premiering December 18, 2024! Titled Teaching Arabic in a Changing World: Perspectives from Educators, this episode is hosted by Caroline Sibley, Teaching Assistant Professor of Arabic at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and features a dynamic conversation with educators Layali Eshqaidef and Alexander Porcelli.
Together, they explore the evolving landscape of Arabic language education, discussing innovative approaches to engage students across primary, secondary, and university levels, foster community connections through immersive learning, and address critical challenges such as teacher training gaps, curriculum development, and misconceptions about Arabic.
The podcast, led by educators for educators, serves to address critical challenges, spark innovative ideas, and foster thought leadership—all in support of advancing Arabic education globally, a mission proudly supported by QFI.
The Study of Adolescent Lives after Migration to America (SALaMA) seeks to assess the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of high school students who have been – or whose parents have been – resettled to the US from the MENA region. QFI partnered with Washington University in St. Louis in and a number of school districts and local refugee resettlement agencies around the US to uncover the true impact of displacement on mental health.
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The Study of Adolescent Lives after Migration to America (SALaMA) seeks to assess the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of high school students who have been – or whose parents have been – resettled to the US from the MENA region. QFI partnered with Washington University in St. Louis in and a number of school districts and local refugee resettlement agencies around the US to uncover the true impact of displacement on mental health.
In this episode, Ilana Seff, Jeremy Aldrich, and Cyril Bennouna discuss what they’ve found and how educators, administrators, and schools can foster a healthy academic and social environment for resettled students. This episode explores the study's origins, key strategies for assisting students and families, and the empowering PhotoVoice project, which amplified students' stories and identities. This research highlights the importance of fostering resilience and inclusivity for resettled communities.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
Are there lessons for Arabic language educators and admin in the way Scotland approaches language learning? In this episode of All Things Arabic, Fhiona Mackay, the Director of SCILT, explains how a hybrid teaching environment is helping students across the nation – even those in remote regions – learn Arabic.
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Are there lessons for Arabic language educators and admin in the way Scotland approaches language learning? In this episode of All Things Arabic, Fhiona Mackay, the Director of SCILT, explains how a hybrid teaching environment is helping students across the nation – even those in remote regions – learn Arabic.
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We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
Learning Arabic can unlock new opportunities for both professional and personal growth.
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Learning Arabic can unlock new opportunities for both professional and personal growth.
In this episode, four former students of Arabic meet for the first time and discuss how learning the language shaped their lives and led them to their current career paths.
Listen as each guest reflects on how their study of Arabic has led them to where they are, and how it greatly enriched their careers and their personal lives.
Visit the Project Perseverance website to learn more about the guests: https://bit.ly/3AxXBYi
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We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
Incorporating art, music, and calligraphy into Arabic classrooms enhances students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge—and makes space for fun and creativity.
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Incorporating art, music, and calligraphy into Arabic classrooms enhances students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge—and makes space for fun and creativity.
Ustaaza Ibtissam, a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience teaching French and Arabic to both native and non-native speakers, shares how she connects classrooms in North America with refugees and teachers in Lebanon, promoting cultural learning and fostering strong relationships between Arabic teachers and the community.
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We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
So far in All Things Arabic, we’ve heard from teachers, students, administrators, and researchers about Arabic language education. But what do parents of Arabic learners have to say about the language?
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So far in All Things Arabic, we’ve heard from teachers, students, administrators, and researchers about Arabic language education. But what do parents of Arabic learners have to say about the language?
In the latest episode, hear from Kelly, the parent of an Arabic learner at a secondary school in Chicago. Kelly shares her perspective on Arabic and the opportunities it has offered her daughter, Kendall.
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We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
What’s the secret to expanding an Arabic program at a secondary school and building a love of language learning among students?
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What’s the secret to expanding an Arabic program at a secondary school and building a love of language learning among students?
Ustaaz Fadi has played a vital role in the creation, expansion and management of the World Language Curriculum at a state-funded school in Chicago. Hear from Fadi about his experience teaching Arabic and engaging students and communities, as well as his advice for teachers and administrators.
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We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
Research is providing vital information on the impact of teaching dialects alongside Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Historically, MSA was the primary form of Arabic taught and learned, but in the past 10 years the use of spoken dialects has expanded in classrooms.
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Research is providing vital information on the impact of teaching dialects alongside Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Historically, MSA was the primary form of Arabic taught and learned, but in the past 10 years the use of spoken dialects has expanded in classrooms
Guests Dr. Rasha Soliman, Associate Professor of Arabic Language and Linguistics at University of Leeds in England and Dr. Lizz Huntley, instructor of Arabic and Linguistics at the University of Colorado Denver discuss the debate surrounding the teaching of Arabic varieties and their research within it. They address questions such as whether dialects should be taught alongside Modern Standard Arabic, and what impact incorporating dialects has on student learning outcomes.
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**Note that in this episode, Dialect, Variety, Colloquial, and Register are often used interchangeably
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We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
In Ireland, a unique pilot program for students from Syria provided intensive English and Arabic language lessons to help improve literacy over the summer of 2023.
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In Ireland, a unique pilot program for students from Syria provided intensive English and Arabic language lessons to help improve literacy over the summer of 2023. Many of these students had missed years of education and had poor language skills in both English and Arabic. This pilot, implemented based on findings from the SALaM Ireland research project, pioneers a path forward for boosting both mother tongue literacy and English language acquisition for refugee learners.
Guests Yvonne Leckey, Project Manager of SALaM Ireland and Trudy Rossiter, Deputy Principal at a participating school, share about the research behind the project and its impact.
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We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
This episode explores the reality of teaching Arabic in Germany through the lens of assessments, including process, problems, and successes. Dr. Peter Konerding, an Arabic teacher and the coordinator of the Center for the Arabic Language, discusses what the situation is and how CEFR standards can be applied to Arabic in Germany.
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This episode explores the reality of teaching Arabic in Germany through the lens of assessments, including process, problems, and successes. Dr. Peter Konerding, an Arabic teacher and the coordinator of the Center for the Arabic Language, discusses what the situation is and how CEFR standards can be applied to Arabic in Germany.
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We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
In the UK, teachers are calling for changes to the current language assessment models. The difficulty of Arabic language assessments and a disconnect between classroom teaching and exams are potentially deterring students from studying the language.
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In the UK, teachers are calling for changes to the current language assessment models. The difficulty of Arabic language assessments and a disconnect between classroom teaching and exams are potentially deterring students from studying the language.
This episode of All Things Arabic discusses teachers’ experiences with the Arabic GCSE and the changes they recommend to improve student experiences and encourage further language study. Contributing guests are Fatima Mohamed, an Arabic teacher at a girls school in England, and Luma Hameed, an associate lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London and a leader of the Arabic teachers Council in London and southern England.
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We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
What lessons can other languages provide Arabic teachers? In this episode of All Things Arabic, Ann Marie Gunter, a World Language Consultant in North Carolina, discusses how other global languages like Mandarin overcame challenges that now face Arabic language programs, and strategies to boost enrollment, from offering online classes to Seal of Biliteracy programs to building teacher capacity.
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What lessons can other languages provide Arabic teachers? In this episode of All Things Arabic, Ann Marie Gunter, a World Language Consultant in North Carolina, discusses how other global languages like Mandarin overcame challenges that now face Arabic language programs, and strategies to boost enrollment, from offering online classes to Seal of Biliteracy programs to building teacher capacity.
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Glossary of terms:
Contact information
We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
This episode dives into Arabic debate at the high school/secondary school level. Arabic debate seems to be more than just a linguistic exercise; students are advancing in their language and critical thinking skills and are finding joy in learning, all within the school setting.
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This episode dives into Arabic debate at the high school/secondary school level. Arabic debate seems to be more than just a linguistic exercise; students are advancing in their language and critical thinking skills and are finding joy in learning, all within the school setting.
This episode features secondary school Arabic debater and team captain Mariana McCottry, her Arabic teacher and debate coach Rana Nasser, and principal Dr. Caroline Sanchez, all from Cumberland International Early College High School in North Carolina. They share tips for success in debate, what’s needed to start a debate team and recruit students, and the value-added of the Arabic program and debate team at their school. Tune in for an inside scoop into secondary school Arabic debate!
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We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
With the expansion of Arabic language programs across the US, UK and Europe, educators and their institutions are striving to strengthen methods for teaching and learning Arabic, just like any other global language.
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With the expansion of Arabic language programs across the US, UK and Europe, educators and their institutions are striving to strengthen methods for teaching and learning Arabic, just like any other global language.
This episode discusses one of the proficiency and performance assessment techniques and language standards used in some US classrooms. Guests Rolla Elsaiary, Magnet Coordinator at Arabic Immersion Magnet School in Houston, Texas, and Amanda Minnillo, a Language Specialist at Avant MORE Learning, share their opinions on what's working and what needs changing in their contexts.
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We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
Join us this week as we follow two university Arabic debate teams as they prepare for a national competition and make every effort to come out on top. UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University’s rivalry is age-old: Who has the better basketball team? Who has a more beautiful campus? Which shade of blue is better: light Carolina blue or dark Duke blue? And now, who has the fiercest Arabic debate team?
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Join us this week as we follow two university Arabic debate teams as they prepare for a national competition and make every effort to come out on top. UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University’s rivalry is age-old: Who has the better basketball team? Who has a more beautiful campus? Which shade of blue is better: light Carolina blue or dark Duke blue? And now, who has the fiercest Arabic debate team?
In 2022, Duke and UNC students joined forces to win the 3rd US Universities Arabic Debating Championship. In 2023, they will face off, all in Arabic. Hear from UNC and Duke debate team captains Jasper Schutt and Majid Al Munefi about their experiences with Arabic debate and the hard work of both teams to prepare for the championship. Are you #teamUNC or #teamDuke?
We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of QFI. QFI does not endorse any products or services mentioned.
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