USJ Celebrates the Launch of the DALE - DALS Arabic Language Certification Tests
A milestone in the assessment of language level among Arabic learners.
The Faculty of Languages and Translation (FdLT) and its Center for Arabic Research and Studies (CREA) launched the long-awaited DALE - DALS Arabic language certification tests in a special ceremony on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 10 a.m., at the Humanities Campus of Saint Joseph University of Beirut.
The prestigious event, attended by eminent personalities and Arabic language enthusiasts, highlighted the crucial importance of the Arabic language in culture and education, creating a space for rich and fulfilling intercultural dialogue.
Under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Abbas Al Halabi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, the ceremony was presided over by Prof. Salim Daccache S.J., Rector of Saint Joseph University, in the presence of Prof. Gina Abou Fadel Saad, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, and Ms. Carole Nehmé, Director of the Center for Arab Research and Studies. USJ officials presented the DALE (Diploma in Arabic as a Foreign Language) and the DALS (Diploma in Arabic as a Specialized Language) certification tests, aimed at anyone wishing to obtain certification of their level of Arabic for personal, academic or professional reasons. These tests, which are based on the principles of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), will be available as of the start of the new academic year in September 2023.
The presence of the guest of honor, Prof. Viviane Grisez, Director of the Center for Modern Languages at the University of Mons in Belgium, added an international dimension to the event, thereby consolidating the valuable ties between the two academic institutions. Prof. Grisez discussed the evolution of language skills assessment together with that of pedagogical approaches. She highlighted the constraints involved in developing a certification test that is “fair, reliable, valid and useful”, and congratulated the CREA team for this initiative.
The screening of a short film showcasing the CREA, as well as captivating musical interludes performed by medical students, added an artistic and cultural touch to the event, presented by ETIB student Mr. Habib El-Khoury.
CREA and FdLT would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the participants, speakers, students and friends who contributed to the success of this memorable day.
For further information concerning the DALE - DALS Arabic language certification tests, please contact:
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