Beirut Arab University hosted “The Second Specialized Arabic Language Forum – Oral Communication: A Skill and a Mission” on its campus in Beirut. The event was organized in cooperation with the Educational Institutions Network, under the sponsorship of Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi, President of the University, and was attended by Dr. Omar Houri, BAU Secretary General; the deans of faculties; Mr. Kamel Kozbar, President of the Educational Institutions Network; Prof. Ahmed Fares, honorary guest of the Forum; as well as a large crowd of Arabic language teachers from the participating schools.
The Forum aimed at strengthening Classical Arabic, elevating it from the realm of theories and rules to the arena of interaction and dialogue, in the light of the current submission to foreign languages. This current reality is about to obliterate the aesthetics and importance of Arabic, while wiping out its cultural entity. This can only be combated by activating dialogue and discussion, as well as an alternative culture among students, to revive the language.
The Forum opened with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the Lebanese National Anthem, the BAU Anthem and the BAU Introductory Film. The Master of Ceremony was Mr. Omar Farouk El Nakhal who welcomed the attendees and the audience and announced the launching of the event, describing the Forum as a industrious effort to track down the problems faced by the language, convening at a pan-Arab university that upholds Arabic and implements many of its educational facilities to bring into being this grand idea.
Prof. Amr El Adawi, President of BAU stressed in his word on the necessity to preserve Arabic, the language of heritage, originality and intellect, and the language of communication and education. He emphasized that there should be greater attention paid to research, since it is a basic tool for development, and conducive towards the scientific and intellectual renaissance of our Arab communities.
Adawi expressed his firm belief that the Forum would be a launching pad for fostering Arabic, since it opens new horizons of development in teaching methods. It also focuses on enhancing the basic communication skills needed in building up the student’s personality and opening up to the other.
Mr. Kamel Kozbar spoke next, attributing the title of the Forum to the need for written communication, essential to progress towards better results and protecting ourselves through the use of our language. He further expressed his gratitude to the University and its President for embracing the Forum.
Prof. Mayssah El Nayal, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, pointed out that BAU in general, and the Faculty of Arts in particular are always keen on preserving Classical Arabic. She highlighted that the University annually organizes the Arabic Speech Competition, under various titles that are in tune with the current events. To further promote the language, the Arabic Department at the Faculty offers a mandatory University course entitled “Arabic Language”. To enhance the learning of the language, there is a TAFL program to teach foreign students Arabic.
The Guest of Honor, Prof. Ahmed Fares, gave a historical overview of the language, highlighting its advantages and the famous sayings of prominent linguists and thinkers. He stressed upon the fact that the language is closely tied to life, as it is a means of communication and understanding the world around us. It allows us to express our thoughts and to progress in all walks of life.
Next two panel sessions were held, the first of which was moderated by Dr. Khalil Ajina, and the second by Mr. Abu Bakr El Zahabi, coordinator of Arabic at Iman schools. The papers presented described new approaches to revive the language, whether through oral communication, dependent upon recalling content, words and expressions in specific topics, or through the development of spoken skills dependent upon confidence and oratory.
The Forum concluded with a number of recommendations, which emphasized the necessity to provide opportunities at schools that accentuate the vividness and effectiveness of the language, while linking the communication act with the curriculum and life issues. This requires team-work and empowering the teachers with listening skills. The Forum also called for the establishment of a sound linguistic community inside the schools.
In the end, the Network presented honorary shields to Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi, Prof. Mayssah El Nayal, Prof. Ahmed Fares, and the scientific committee that organized the Forum. The participating researchers were also given certificates of participation.
iConnect
