OVERVIEW

The course consists of a 30-hour theoretical module focusing on contemporary Arabic through the integration of Modern Standard Arabic (fuṣḥā) and Egyptian Arabic (‘āmmiyya). The course examines the main linguistic and discourse-related features of Arabic communication in digital media and social networks, with particular attention to the sociolinguistic varieties of contemporary Arabic and the alternation between Standard Arabic and dialect across different communicative contexts.

The course also includes an annual 80-hour language practice component taught by a native-speaker language instructor, aimed at developing both productive and receptive language skills and preparing students for the final examinations.

Students will work with authentic materials drawn mainly from social media and audiovisual content, with emphasis on reading comprehension, textual analysis, and text reformulation.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to consolidate the linguistic skills acquired in Modern Standard Arabic and to provide students with the necessary knowledge to analyze, understand, and produce texts of medium to high difficulty, with a specific focus on the specialized registers used in professional contexts. Additionally, it seeks to develop translation skills, with particular attention to intercultural aspects and the context of use. The course also offers a general overview of comparative Arabic dialectology, facilitating the understanding and use of media content through various supports and formats. Special emphasis will be placed on the social and cultural context of spoken Arabic, with the goal of enhancing interaction capabilities with Arabic speakers from diverse backgrounds.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides students with advanced tools for the linguistic, sociolinguistic, and pragmatic analysis of contemporary Arabic in both its standard and colloquial varieties, with particular focus on Egyptian Arabic and digital communication.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• identify the main phonological, morphological, and syntactic features of contemporary Egyptian Arabic;
• understand and analyse authentic texts taken from Arabic social media and digital communication;
• recognise the use of Standard Arabic and dialect in different communicative contexts;
• understand the main communicative strategies and linguistic features of social media discourse;
• simplify, reformulate, and reproduce different types of texts.

PREREQUISITES

In order to take the written and oral examinations for Arabic Language and Mediation II, students must have successfully completed the first-year examination (language practice component and theoretical module).

TEACHING METHODS

The course combines lectures and seminars.

The course alternates between theoretical introductions to key linguistic and sociolinguistic phenomena and practical sessions. Students will engage in guided analyses of digital materials, group discussions, and translation exercises. Additional activities focus on linguistic commentary, text comprehension, simplification, and textual reformulation across various genres.

Attendance is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended, as it greatly facilitates and accelerates the learning process.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Theoretical Module

Part I – Linguistic Introduction to Egyptian Arabic (10 hours)

• Elements of phonology and morphology of Egyptian Arabic;
• Elements of syntax and pragmatics of colloquial communication.

Part II – Linguistic Practices and Digital Communication (20 hours)

• Standard Arabic and dialect in social media;
• Written orality and digital interaction;
• Digital media and public discourse;
• Audiovisual culture and linguistic varieties.

Language Practice Component

The language practice classes are designed to develop linguistic skills applied to contemporary Arabic, especially the comprehension and production of texts in both Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Arabic.

Activities include:

• reading, comprehension, and translation exercises;
• practice of the main morphological and syntactic structures of contemporary Arabic;
• listening to and analysing audiovisual and digital materials;
• guided listening comprehension activities;
• written and oral production exercises;
• lexical and phraseological activities related to digital communication and social media.

- For non-attending students, the lecturer will make the materials and the main notes available on AulaWeb. The topics addressed must be further studied through the textbooks indicated in the bibliography.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Jane Wightwick, Mahmoud Gaafar, Colloquial Arabic of Egypt: The Complete Course for Beginners, Routledge, 2015.
• Patrizia Zanelli, L'arabo colloquiale egiziano. Corso pratico-teorico – Livello intermedio, Libreria Editrice Cafoscarina, 2016.
• Sana Darghmouni, Kalima/Parola: lezioni di scrittura e grammatica araba con esercizi, Edumond Le Monnier, 2018.
• L. Veccia Vaglieri, Grammatica teorico-pratica della lingua araba, vol. 1, Istituto per l'Oriente C. A. Nallino, Rome, 2011 (2nd edition).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The language practice classes are held throughout the academic year and will begin on 29 September 2026, according to the academic calendar.

The theoretical module will begin in the second semester, starting from 17 February 2027.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

During the course, short progress tests will be administered in order to monitor students’ ongoing language development.

The final written examination consists of comprehension, grammar, and translation exercises based on the texts and topics covered during the language practice classes.

The final oral examination includes the analysis of texts and the discussion of linguistic, sociolinguistic, and pragmatic phenomena related to contemporary Arabic communication. Students will also be required to read, translate, and provide linguistic commentary on the materials studied during the language practice classes.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Learning outcomes will be assessed at the end of the academic year through a written and an oral examination. All topics covered during the course may be included in the assessment.

The final evaluation will take into account students’ level of linguistic competence, grammatical and lexical accuracy, ability to understand, translate, and reformulate texts, as well as their ability to carry out linguistic and discourse analysis. Clarity of presentation, appropriate use of terminology, and the ability to apply acquired knowledge to different communicative contexts will also be assessed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the lecturer and with Prof. Sara Dickinson (sara.dickinson@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.