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Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich

FAQs Arabic

Q1: Are the Arabic courses taught in German?

All Arabic courses are taught in German. This means that the course program, materials, grammar explanations, and assessments are in German.

If you wish to attend an Arabic course, you will need A2-level German. You may ask questions in English.

Q2: Are all courses offered every semester?

Arabic I and III run in fall semesters.
Arabic II, IV and the Arabic Fast Track course run in spring semesters.

Q3: Are any courses offered outside of the semester?

→ No, at present we only offer courses during the semester.

Q4 A: I studied Arabic at another school/institute or similar. Can I take an Arabic course?

In principle, yes. Please contact your lecturer well in advance. They will ask you about your prior knowledge and will suggest which course you might like to take.

If you prior knowledge is slightly below the requirements of one of our courses, you can catch up by studying the language autonomously. If you meet the requirements of the course before the course begins, you can attend the course. If your language skills don’t match any of the courses we offer, your lecturer will suggest other ways to improve your Arabic skills.

Q4 B: I learnt Arabic independently using apps and similar tools. Can I take a course in Arabic?

In principle, yes. Please contact your lecturer well in advance. They will ask you about your prior knowledge and will suggest which course you might like to take.

If you prior knowledge is slightly below the requirements of one of our courses, you can catch up by studying the language autonomously. If you meet the requirements of the course before the course begins, you can attend the course. If your language skills don’t match any of the courses we offer, your lecturer will suggest other ways to improve your Arabic skills.

Q5: It’s been a very long time since I learnt Arabic, and I have forgotten a lot. Can I take the beginner Arabic I course in order to brush up my basic skills?

No. Arabic 1 A 1.1 is designed for complete beginners. We recommend that you work on your skills independently, using the same materials that are used by the Language Center. Materials are available at the Self-Access Center. A language meet-up run by the Self-Access Center would also be helpful. Please contact the lecturer to find out if your language skills are adequate to attend the beginner course.

You might like to consider the Arabic Fast Track course.

 

Q6: I would like to take a course that is below my language level in order to brush up my language skills. Can I do that?

No. Our courses are performance based, and we award ECTS points for successfully completed course work. If you wish to brush up your language skills, we recommend that you do so at the Self-Access Center.

Under certain circumstances, you might like to consider our Arabic Fast Track course. Please contact the lecturer.

Q7: I have successfully completed Arabic IV. How can I continue with my language learning?

Follow your teacher’s recommendations. You will find more information on our website about how our courses progress. The services and events offered by our Self-Access Center will also help you to improve and practice your language skills.

Alternatively, you can study Arabic at the AOI (Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies). If you wish to start studying in the second semester there, you will have to pass the Arabic I exam first. However, please contact the AOI’s Arabic lecturer as soon as possible.

 

Q8: Which variety of Arabic is taught at the Language Center?

In our Arabic I-IV and Arabic Fast Track, we teach standard modern Arabic, which differs considerably from Arabic dialects. Standard modern Arabic is the variety used in writing and in formal contexts in the Arabic-speaking world; it is also used for communication across dialects. Our courses focus on oral expression in everyday situations, and in part, we include dialect elements.

Q9: Does the Language Center offer any Arabic dialect courses?

No, there are currently no Arabic dialect courses offered at the Language Center.

Q10: I speak an Arabic dialect at home. Which course should I take?

If you have already learnt the Arabic script, we recommend that you take the Arabic Fast Track course.

Q11: I have basic Arabic skills, but I can’t read the Arabic script. Can I take an Arabic course at the Language Center?

Yes, we recommend Arabic I. For Arabic Fast Track, reading and writing the Arabic script is already required.

Q12: I would like to learn Arabic, but I don’t have time to attend a course this semester. Can an absolute beginner learn Arabic on their own?

Yes, they can, if they enjoy independent study. The Self-Access Center  provides various materials and consultations. A language meet-up provides an excellent opportunity to study Arabic regularly. If you wish to attend the Arabic Fast Track course in the spring semester, you can teach yourself Arabic script, which is a prerequisite for this course, on your own during the fall semester.

Q13: Can I take an officially recognized language test in Arabic at the Language Center?

No. Although the course certificates we issue at the end of a course list the language level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, they do not represent an officially recognized certification of language skills.

If you have other questions, please consult the general FAQs that relate to all Language Center courses and services.

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