Arabic in Foreign Language Programmes: Difficulties and Challenges

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review the reported literature regarding Arabic language programmes. It gives an overview of the historical background of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) programmes. It also provided a brief description of the Arabic language and its characteristics, and how they might cause some difficulties. Specifically, the diglossic phenomenon in Arabic programmes and how Arabic programmes deal with diglossia was discussed. Pedagogical factors, such as the lack of clearly articulated objectives in TAFL, the lack of coordination between Arabic programmes, the lack of experienced and qualified teachers, the shortage of materials and resources and insufficient presentation of Arab culture in (TAFL) programmes were also discussed.

Keywords

• Teaching Arabic as a foreign language, MSA, NSA, linguistic factors, pedagogical factors, diglossia.