91799 - Seminars (A) LM

Learning outcomes

At the end of the seminar (an activity closely related to the objectives of the degree program), the student will have acquired specific knowledge and skills to address linguistic, philological, literary, historical, and/or artistic topics and issues.

Course contents

The Colloquial Arabic Language Seminar (LAC) is intended for second- and third-year undergraduate students as well as master's students who wish to complete their training in Arabic by acquiring knowledge of Maghrebi varieties and reaching CEFR level A2+ in the Moroccan variety of colloquial Arabic (VM).

In addition to understanding the phonetic and morpho-syntactic features of colloquial Arabic, expanding vocabulary in use, and learning key phrases and expressions to interact in oral communicative situations related to simple and habitual activities, a further objective of the seminar is to develop broader and culturally aware knowledge of contemporary Maghrebi societies.

The program is divided into three modules:

Module A) Classifications and phenomena related to LAC and Maghrebi varieties (2 lessons)
Classification of the different varieties of LAC, their common phonological, morphological, and syntactic features, and the main differences compared to Standard Arabic (instructor: Ines Peta);
Phonological and morpho-syntactic specificities of Maghrebi LAC varieties, points of contact and differences, lexical heritage, and borrowings from other languages (instructor: Chiara Fontana).

Module B) LAC – Moroccan variety (10 lessons)
LAC – Moroccan variety. Dialogues concerning: greetings and introductions; relatives and friends; colors and clothing; work and study activities; transport and street information; ordering in cafés and restaurants; food and beverages; housework; hobbies and holidays; money and shopping; banking and postal services; the home and the search for a furnished apartment to rent; the weather; health; currency exchange; airport formalities; social and cultural life (instructor: Sana Daghmouni).

Module C) Thematic insights (3 lessons)
Thematic insights: the value of the intangible cultural heritage of the Maghreb (storytellers, musical and theatrical performances, religiosity and maraboutism); LAC in public contexts: the increasingly accepted use of colloquial Arabic in politics, advertising, and the media; Moroccan gastronomic heritage (instructors: Ines Peta, Chiara Fontana, Sana Daghmouni).

Readings/Bibliography

- Richard S. Harrell, A Basic Course in Moroccan Arabic With Mp3 Files, Georgetown University Press 2006.

- Olivier Durand, Annamaria Ventura, Grammatica di arabo marocchino, Hoepli 2022.

- Richard S. Harrell, A Dictionary of Moroccan Arabic: Moroccan-English & English-Moroccan, Georgetown University Press 2004.

- Zaquia Iraqui Sinaceur, Le Dictionnaire COLIN d’arabe dialectal marocain, al-Manahil 1993, 8 volumes.

Teaching methods

1) Frontal lessons

2) Interactive lessons

3) Activities in pairs and / or in groups

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of an oral test conducted entirely in Moroccan Arabic. During the interview, the student will be asked to interact in the language through a simulated conversation based on one of the situations covered during the course (e.g., ordering at a restaurant, looking for an apartment, getting around the city, etc.). Assessment will take into account linguistic accuracy, fluency, comprehension and interaction skills, as well as lexical and communicative appropriateness in relation to the proposed context.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities:
It is recommended that you contact the University office in charge (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and the instructor as soon as possible, in order to identify together the most effective strategies for attending classes and/or preparing for the exam.Any requests for accommodations must be submitted no later than 15 days before the exam date by sending an email to the instructor and copying (Cc) disabilita@unibo.it [mailto:disabilita@unibo.it] (in case of disability) or dsa@unibo.it [mailto:dsa@unibo.it] (for students with SLD).

 

Teaching tools

Audio / video texts, power-points and other materials provided by the teachers.

Office hours

See the website of Ines Peta