the course schedule for Arabic and all languages
We offer language and communication courses and training activities in several formats and durations to address our clients' needs.
Welcome to the Arabic Language Programme!
The Arabic language is a pillar of the cultural diversity of humanity. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 400 million people, making it the fifth most spoken language in the world. World Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on 18 December since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization.
In the diversity of its forms, classic or dialectal, from oral expression to poetic calligraphy, the Arabic language has given rise to a fascinating aesthetic, in fields as varied as architecture, poetry, philosophy and song. It gives access to an incredible variety of identities and beliefs and its history reveals the richness of its links with other languages. Arabic has played a catalytic role in knowledge, promoting the dissemination of Greek and Roman sciences and philosophies to Renaissance Europe. It has enabled a dialogue of cultures along the silk roads, from the coast of India to the Horn of Africa.
Source: World Arabic Language Day (unesco.org)
Format & Method:
Our Arabic courses combine a variety of approaches including The Communicative Approach which emphasizes interaction as both the means and goal of study. The course uses various techniques to enable students to effectively use the target language. These include role plays, pair work, information gap, and interviews.
General Arabic Courses:
Our Arabic general language acquisition courses aim to help participants develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. These courses build on each other to help participants acquire a specific UN level (UN I, II, or III). They focus on enhancing the knowledge and skills needed to operate in personal, public and professional contexts using the Arabic language. We offer them in different formats and modalities, but a typical 30 hour general course usually includes (1) a live component (synchronous) and (2) a self-paced learning component (asynchronous) hosted in a virtual environment. All the general courses we currently offer are aligned with the UN Language Framework.
Specialized Arabic Language Courses:
Our Arabic specialized language acquisition courses aim to help participates develop particular language and communication skills. They are designed to complement our general Arabic language courses in order help participants acquire a specific UN level (UN I, II, or III). They focus on enhancing the knowledge and skills needed to operate in professional contexts using the Arabic language. We offer them in different formats and modalities, but a typical 10-15 hours specialized course usually includes (1) a live component (synchronous) and (2) a self-paced learning component (asynchronous) hosted in a virtual environment. All of the general courses we currently offer are aligned with the UN Language Framework.
Assessment:
Assessment is an integral and mandatory part of our general and specialized language courses as it ensures homogeneity and effectiveness in each course. We implement a continuous and frequent analysis of learners’ performance using multiples types of assessments that are used throughout the course rather than merely at the end. Participants are evaluated holistically based on their attendance and participation in the synchronous sessions as well as their performance in the asynchronous tasks and quizzes on the virtual platform.
Language Learning Resources for the Six UN Official Languages
Learners can find a variety of authentic language resources to develop, practice and reinforce their language skills. Enjoy Learning the Six UN Official Languages on Your Devices is a package of resources featuring mobile applications for language learning and UN applications as a source of authentic language. *The package has been compiled for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products described.
Customized Training Solutions
Request a tailor-made learning solution for the communication needs of your office or department. Contact the Customized Training Team via DOS-CDOTS-TRAINING@un.org
Language Proficiency Exam
Prepare for the LPE (Language Proficiency Exam), an internal United Nations exam. See the registration instructions on the LPE page of the HR Portal. Prepare for the exam by taking one or more Language Programme courses.