Arabic and French

Arabic and French

Overview

The Arabic and French - BA (Hons) programme at UK universities is a unique and immersive experience of language and culture. Typically a four-year programme, it normally includes a year abroad, which the programme divides between placements in an Arabic-speaking country and a French-speaking country.

This structure enables students to become fluent and culturally competent through immersion, an essential aspect of learning a language. The programme consists of intensive language learning by native tutors, and may offer private streams in, for example, business language, translation, and interpreting, depending on career goals.

In addition to language level, the programme examines the rich tapestry of the worlds defined by these languages. Students investigate Arabic and French culture, politics, history, literature, pop culture, linguistics, and religion complexities.

A multidisciplinary framework provides students with an in-depth understanding of the historical and contemporary contexts in which these languages and cultures have and continue to exist.

By analysing the intersections and divergences between these two different cultural contexts, students hone critical thinking and intercultural communication skills for engagement in relevant global options.

Objectives

  1. Develop reading, writing, speaking, listening skills.
  2. Understand literature, histories, and cultures of Arabic and French-speaking regions.
  3. Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills.
  4. Enhance intercultural communication skills.
  5. Prepare for careers in translation, interpreting, international relations, education.

Prerequisites

  1. A-levels or equivalent required.
  2. Arabic knowledge is beneficial but not essential.
  3. Strong interest in languages and cultures is essential.

Curriculum Outline

  1. Arabic Language (Modern Standard Arabic and potentially dialects)
  2. French Language
  3. Arabic Literature and Culture
  4. French Literature and Culture
  5. History of Arabic-Speaking Regions
  6. History of French-Speaking Regions
  7. Translation Studies
  8. Intercultural Communication

Teaching Method

  1. Lectures
  2. Tutorials
  3. Seminars
  4. Independent study

Modules

  1. Intensive language learning
  2. French and Arabic
  3. Practical language work in the European language
  4. Practical language work in the Middle Eastern language
  5. Practical language work in the European language
  6. Practical language work in the Middle Eastern language
  7. Identity in Modern France
  8. History and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
  9. Arabic Language 1
  10. Arabic Language 2
  11. French Cultural Studies
  12. French Language 1
  13. French Language 2
  14. French Language 3
  15. The History and Sociopolitics of Palestine/Israel
  16. Introduction to Islam
  17. Arabic Language 3
  18. Arabic Language 4
  19. Art in France
  20. Temptations of the Tragic: Love and Death in French Literature
  21. Media, Performance, & Digital Culture in Contemporary France
  22. Stardom in France
  23. French Language 4
  24. French Language 5
  25. Pragmatics: Meaning, Context, and Interaction
  26. Introduction to Postcolonial Arabic Literature
  27. French Language 6
  28. Media and Business Arabic
  29. Arabic Language 5
  30. Introduction to Interpreting: Context, Skills and Modes
  31. Introduction to Professional Translation
  32. Art, Culture and Activism in France in the Age of Social Media
  33. History and Memory in Francophone Cinema
  34. Wild and Tamed: Nature in French Culture and Politics
  35. Dissertation in Modern Languages and Cultures
  36. Contemporary Debates in Islam

Assessment Methods

  1. Write an essay
  2. Short talk
  3. Podcast or Video
  4. Poster
  5. Presentation
  6. Coursework

Course Duration

The course duration of this programme may vary depending on the country and universities but in the UK, it takes about 04 years to complete.

Facilities

To ensure students receive both academic depth and practical application, universities across the UK typically offer:

  1. Language Laboratories
  2. Multimedia Language Learning Resources
  3. Specialized Language Libraries
  4. Cultural Resource Centers
  5. Translation Suites
  6. Interpreting Booths  
  7. Film Screening Rooms  
  8. Seminar Rooms
  9. Lecture Theatres
  10. Computer Labs (Language Software)
  11. Study Abroad Offices
  12. Cultural Societies (Arabic, French)
  13. Student Common Rooms
  14. Online Language Learning Platforms
  15. Audio-Visual Equipment
  16. Recording Studios
  17. Dedicated Staff Offices (Language Support)
  18. Library Archives (Arabic and French Texts)
  19. Collaboration Spaces  
  20. Virtual Reality Labs (Cultural Immersion)

Career Pathways

While an "Arabic and French - BA (Hons)" offers diverse global career avenues, a UK-based programme uniquely highlights advanced roles dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities, including:

  1. Translator
  2. Interpreter
  3. Diplomat
  4. International Relations Officer
  5. Foreign Correspondent
  6. Journalist
  7. Teacher (Languages)
  8. Lecturer (Languages/Culture)
  9. Cultural Consultant
  10. Tourism Industry Professional
  11. International Business Professional
  12. Linguist
  13. Language Specialist
  14. Cultural Liaison
  15. NGO Worker
  16. Government Advisor
  17. Publishing Industry Professional
  18. Archivist
  19. Researcher (Linguistics/Culture)
  20. Marketing and Communications (International Focus)

Fees and Fundings

  1. Tuition fees range in between £26,500 per year and may vary depending on the institution.
  2. Scholarships, grants, and financial opportunities are available.
  3. Government loan aid is available.

Entry Requirements

  1. Typical A-level offer: ABB
  2. Typical contextual A-level offer: BBC
  3. 5 GCSEs English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4/C
  4. IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5) is required
  5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Field Work and Internships

The "Arabic and French BA (Hons)" course in UK universities is designed to provide a rich cultural and linguistic immersion, and this often involves a significant year abroad.

Here's how fieldwork and internships typically manifest in this programme:

Year Abroad:

Students typically spend half the year in an Arabic-speaking country and the other half in a French-speaking country.

This year is crucial for developing fluency, cultural competency, and real-world language skills.

Internships:

These internships can be:

  1. Translation or interpreting roles.
  2. Cultural liaison positions.
  3. Work in international organisations.
  4. Positions in the tourism industry.
  5. Work in international business.

Translation and Interpreting Practice

This could involve:

  1. Working on real-world translation projects. 
  2. Simulated interpreting exercises.
  3. Using specialised translation software.

Certifications

  1. DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) (Various Levels)
  2. DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) (Various Levels)
  3. CCIP (Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris) Business French Certifications
  4. Arabic Language Proficiency Tests (Various Institutions)
  5. ATA (American Translators Association) Certification
  6. ITI (Institute of Translation & Interpreting) Membership/Certification (UK)
  7. CIOL (Chartered Institute of Linguists) Qualifications (UK)
  8. Certified Court Interpreter (Various Countries)
  9. Certified Medical Interpreter (Various Countries)
  10. Translation Software Certifications (e.g., SDL Trados)
  11. Interpreting Software Certifications
  12. Project Management Certifications (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP)
  13. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL/TESOL) Certification
  14. Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language Certifications
  15. Teaching French as a Foreign Language Certifications
  16. International Business Certifications
  17. Cultural Competency Certifications
  18. Diplomatic Service Exams (Various Countries)
  19. Journalism Certifications
  20. Public Relations Certifications
  21. Marketing Certifications (International Focus)
  22. Travel and Tourism Certifications
  23. Library and Information Science Certifications
  24. Archival Studies Certifications
  25. Museum Studies Certifications
  26. Digital Marketing Certifications (Multilingual)
  27. Content Localization Certifications
  28. Linguistics Certifications (Specialized Areas)
  29. International Trade Certifications
  30. Foreign Service Officer Tests
  31. United Nations Language Proficiency Exams

Intakes

Typically, in the UK, the intakes takes twice a year (fall and spring), but may vary like:

  1. Fall (September/October)
  2. Spring (January/February)
  3. Summer (May/June)

Student Testimony

"Studying Arabic and French was not just about learning a language, although that was a big part of it. My studies undoubtedly shaped my worldview [and] gave me a wide range of skills that I believe have enabled me to stand out in an ecosystem where humanities students are underrepresented." Says -  Zara, Arabic and French MA (Hons), 2021."

Frequently asked questions

This programme provides an in-depth exploration of Arabic and French languages, literatures, and cultures. It aims to develop advanced language proficiency and intercultural understanding, preparing students for careers in a globalised world.

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