Riyadh’s King Salman Global Academy Makes Waves at European Language Conference
The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language recently made a splash at a conference on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, hosted by Blanquerna-Ramon Llull University in Spain.
Taking place from Oct. 18-19 in Barcelona, the conference served as a platform for exchanging experiences, exploring language compatibility, and sharing lessons among framework users.
Abdullah Al-Washmi, the academy’s secretary-general, emphasized the institution’s crucial role in strengthening linguistic identity, preserving the purity of Arabic, and fulfilling its core mission.
The academy’s active participation at the conference is in line with its strategic objectives to collaborate with language institutions, showcase initiatives, and promote Arabic teaching and learning.
One of the highlights of the event was a research paper presented by Dr. Ibtisam Abdel Haleem, director of the test development department at the academy.
Dr. Haleem delved into the use of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages standards in designing the Hamza Arabic Proficiency Test for non-native speakers in academic settings.
She discussed the challenges and solutions involved in aligning the test with the unique characteristics of the Arabic language, stressing the increasing global demand for learning Arabic among non-native speakers for various reasons.
Presenting her research at the conference was a significant opportunity to elevate the profile of the Hamza Arabic Language Test on a global scale, in line with the academy’s objectives, Dr. Haleem remarked.
She also mentioned that experts in language teaching and testing, particularly in Arabic, have shown interest in implementing the Hamza test in Spain in the near future.
In an interview with Arab News, Dr. Haleem emphasized the importance of documenting the academy’s efforts in developing and applying the Hamza test through academic publications to advance the Arabic language assessment field.
She anticipates that the Hamza test will continue to evolve and gain international recognition, fostering collaboration with academic institutions worldwide.
The Hamza test, a computerized assessment measuring non-native speakers’ proficiency in Arabic across key skills, consists of 75 questions developed according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, covering levels A2 to C1.
Targeting Arabic language learners, educators, and potential employers, the test aims to provide a standardized measure of Arabic proficiency.