Arabic certification test for non-native speakers in Oman from next year

Muscat: Non-native speakers of Arabic who wish to obtain an internationally recognised certification of the language can sign up to attempt the Al Khalil Arabic Language Test, starting next year.

Aimed at becoming the Arabic equivalent of the English-language IELTS exam, the test includes a standardised test of a person’s ability to speak, read, listen, and write in Arabic.

The announcement of the Khalil test came on 18 December, to coincide with World Arabic Language Day, which has been celebrated since 2012. The development of this test is part of the Ministry of Economy’s 10th Five Year Plan, and will be conducted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments, starting early next year.

The programme aims to provide people the means to speak and understand high-quality Arabic, by adopting a unified system for assessment for non-native speakers of the language. There are five initiatives under the Khalil test.

These include establishing the Centre for Measurement and Quality Control in Teaching Arabic, unification of bodies supervising Arabic tests for non-native speakers, adopting a unified system of assessment, raising the efficiency of Arabic spoken by non-native speakers, and improving the quality of Arabic language education in Oman.

The test will be supported by the efforts of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, Sultan Qaboos University, and private universities.

Among those teaching Arabic to non-native teachers is the Arabia Experience Institute, which offers lessons to students of all ages. Among them are learners who come from abroad to learn the language, and experience Omani culture. “Arabic is a language for all ages and all nationalities…it is a language for all people,” said Nasser Al Jabri, the director of the Arabia Experience Institute. “We teach the Gulf dialect of Arabic to non-native speakers. We welcome everyone to learn this language, as well as the customs, traditions, and culture of the Gulf.

“We are proud of our experience in teaching the language of Oman, and are keen to share the country’s culture, customs and traditions with others,” he said.

The institute offers Arabic language lessons across 10 levels of difficulty, as well as specialised classes that feature jargon suitable for those who work in medicine, the military, media, as diplomats, and in sport. They also offer special classes for disabled students, and provide learners the opportunity to learn Arabic calligraphy.

“We know the Omani dialect is a distinguished one, and find great pleasure in teaching individuals and groups, both in the classrooms, and outside, in the wider world,” explained Al Jabri. “To make sure people can experience authentic Omani culture, we also offer accommodation with Omani families where they can enjoy traditional Arabic and Omani dishes.”