OVERVIEW

Arabic Language I (9 CFU)

The Arabic Language I course includes the Theoretical Module and language classes.

Attendance is indispensable both for the Theoretical Module and the language classes.

The program is valid for all first-year students in LCM, except for TTMI.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims at providing an introduction to the linguistics of Arabic and the basics of Arabic phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics, by means of lectures on grammar and linguistics. It represents a theoretical and systematic approach to the structures of written Arabic and their interpretation. At the same time it includes language activities aimed at: the application of theoretical concepts through linguistic drills and grammar exercises; the practice of reading, writing and translation; the practice of listening and speaking.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing the course students will have acquired the basics of Arabic phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics and will have developed:

- the ability to apply theoretical concepts in language practice;

- the ability to recognize and interpret the fundamental structures of the Arabic language.

They will have developed reading, writing and translation skills (elementary texts), and the ability of basic oral comprehension and production.

TEACHING METHODS

The Theoretical Module (Term One) includes 30 hours of lectures and / or seminars.

Language classes (Term One and Term Two) include 100 hours of activities aimed at developing language skills, and grammar drills.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The program of the Theoretical Module consists of an introduction to the linguistics of Arabic and includes:

1. Linguistics: definition/s;
2. Linguistics and grammar;
3. Linguistics and Arabic;
4. Phonology;
5. Phonotactics and morphophonology;
6. Syllable structure and stress;
7. Introduction to Arabic morphology;
8. Derivative morphology: Arabic derivational systems;
9. Inflectional morphology;
10. Syntactic analysis.

Language classes cover texts, vocabulary, grammar and exercises of the first ten units of Luc-Willy Deheuvels’ handbook (Italian edition, Volume 1) Manuale di arabo moderno con esercizi e cd audio per l'ascolto.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Anghelescu, N. Linguaggio e cultura nella civiltà araba, edizione italiana a cura di M. Vallaro, Zamorani, Torino 1993.
• Badawi, S. M. (al-), Carter, M.G., Gully, A. (2004). Modern Written Arabic: A Comprehensive Grammar. London & New York: Routledge.
• Bateson, Mary C. (2003) [originally published in 1997], Arabic Language Handbook. (Georgetown Classics in Arabic Languages and Linguistics series). Washington DC: Georgetown University Press.
• Beeston, A.F.L. (2006) [originally published in 1970), The Arabic Language Today. (Georgetown Classics in Arabic Languages and Linguistics series). Washington DC: Georgetown University Press.
• Cowell, M.W. (2016) [2005, 1964]. A Reference Grammar of Syrian Arabic (with free downloadable MP3 files). Washington: Georgetown University Press.
• Deheuvels, Luc-Willy (2010). Grammatica araba. Manuale di arabo moderno con esercizi e cd audio per l'ascolto. Edizione italiana a cura di Antonella Ghersetti. Bologna: Zanichelli. Volume 1.
• Diez, M. Corso integrativo di linguistica araba, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano 2009.
• Durand, O., Ventura, A. (2017). Bilād al-šām. Grammatica di arabo mediorientale. Lingua šāmī. Milano: Hoepli (collana: Studi Orientali).
• Holes, Clives (2004) Modern Arabic. Structures, Functions, and Varieties (Revised Edition). (Georgetown Classics in Arabic Languages and Linguistics series). Washington DC: Georgetown University Press.
• Kallas, E. (1995). Yatabi Lebnaaniyyi: un “livello soglia” per l’apprendimento del neoarabo libanese. Venezia: Libreria Editrice Cafoscarina.
• Kassab, J. (1970). Manuel du parler arabe moderne au Moyen-Orient. Paris: Paul Gheuthner.
• McLoughlin, L. (2009). Colloquial Arabic (Levantine). London and New York: Routledge.
• Mion, G. La lingua araba, Carocci, Roma 2016 [2007].
• Retsö, Jan (2013) "What is Arabic?". In: Jonathan Owens (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Arabic Linguistics, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Chapter 19, pp. 433-450.
• Ryding, Karin C. (2014), Arabic. A Linguistic Introduction. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press.
• Stetkevych, Jaroslav (2006) [originally published in 1970], The Modern Arabic Literary Language. (Georgetown Classics in Arabic Languages and Linguistics series). Washington DC: Georgetown University Press.
• Vallaro, M. (1997). Parliamo arabo? Profilo (dal vero) d’uno spauracchio linguistico, Torino: Magnanelli.

Dictionaries:

• Baldissera, E. (2004). Dizionario Italiano-Arabo Arabo-Italiano, Bologna: Zanichelli.
• Wehr, H. (1971). A Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic, edited by Milton Cowan. Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MANUELA ELISA GIOLFO (President)

ABDELJALIL BENTAJAR

FELICE ISRAEL

FEDERICO SALVAGGIO

LESSONS

LESSONS START

LESSONS START:

Theoretical Module: Term One, from Wednesday 18 October 2017

Language classes: Term One, from Tuesday 17 October 2017

THEORETICAL MODULE TIMETABLE_Term One:

Wednesday

11 am-12 pm Arabic Language I (TM) Aula IV (Balbi 5)

Friday

12 pm-1 pm Arabic Language I (TM) Aula D (Polo Didattico)

1 pm-2 pm Arabic Language I (TM) Aula D (Polo Didattico)

LANGUAGE CLASSES TIMETABLE_Term One:

Tuesday from 5 pm to 7 pm (aula 1 - Albergo dei Poveri);

Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm (aula 11 - Albergo dei Poveri).

Class schedule

ARABIC LANGUAGE I

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Final written exam, and final oral exam.

To be admitted to the final oral exam, students must have passed the final written exam.

Exams are annual and take place from the summer session of the same academic year in which the course is held.

It is mandatory to register online from the University website for the final written exam and for the final oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Final written exam: verification of acquired knowledge and skills developed.

Final oral exam: verification of acquired knowledge and skills developed.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Prerequisites: enrolment in the first year.