|
|
|
|
Perhaps the most significant outcome of the National Arabic Language Conference that was held in June of 2008 at DePaul University in Chicago, was the remarkable shift in the perspective and philosophy of both Arab and non-Arab educators working in the field, and the decision by the organizers to make Arabic the exclusive language of the conference to prove once again that Arabic is truly a modern, vibrant and flexible contemporary language. This shift comes as a countervailing force against the misconception that Arabic is not a practical language and can only exist as a subject matter in textbooks. Contrarily, the conference managed to showcase Arabic as an all-encompassing language that is effectively capable of conveying mundane everyday affairs as it is competent in gracefully transmitting sophisticated knowledge and culture.
A quick review of our textbooks shows that, despite the cultural elements that these books introduce to enrich their content, teaching Arabic as a foreign language in the United States in general, and unlike other modern languages, is still being delivered through a mostly English context. TAFL aspire to constitute a fresh perspective in the field in which Arabic, should not only be the subject matter, but should also extend itself to be the medium of delivery , instruction, methods and even research into teaching strategies.
The feedback and evaluation questionnaire survey that was administered by the organizers at the National Arabic Language Conference, unambiguously shows that the vast majority of attendees and participants, eagerly regarded using Arabic as the language of the conference as a magnificent step in the right direction.
The TAFL Journal is proud to present itself as the manifestation of this philosophical shift. The articles presented within this site will be covering issues of Teaching Arabic as Foreign language and will be published only in Arabic. The website also provides access various resources and news for Arabic instructors. We are optimistic that that our colleagues in the field will find interest in this journal, and we hope you provide us with your research and articles in order to grow and thrive.