C0031 - LINGUA E LINGUISTICA ARABA 1

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student is able to read, write and translate a vocalized elementary text knowing the basic morphosyntactic structures of the nominal and verbal sentence, is able to present himself and others and to ask and give information in simple situations related to familiar and common topics. Acquired skills are located between levels A1 and A2 of Common European Framework of Reference. The student is also able to classify Arabic both from a genealogical and a typological point of view. He therefore knows how to place it within the family of Semitic languages and illustrate its basic linguistic characteristics.

Course contents

The course aims to develop students’ basic phonetic and morphosyntactic skills in Arabic and consists of two parts: the practical language class and the semester course taught by the lead instructor, Prof. Ines Peta.

Practical language class

The course includes three weekly lessons. The first part is dedicated to the alphabet, with particular focus on writing and the correct pronunciation of Arabic sounds, the distinction between short and long vowels, and the difference between solar and lunar letters. The second part guides students to understand and produce simple nominal and verbal sentences, to introduce themselves, and to express themselves on topics related to everyday life. The course also aims to develop basic translation skills through simple exercises translating from Arabic into Italian.

Semester course programme (30 hours) – Second semester (Prof. Ines Peta)

The course is designed to describe the fundamental features of Arabic at the phonological, morphological, and syntactic levels. Particular attention will be devoted to the core elements of grammar, especially the root-pattern system, nominal derivation, the differences between nominal and verbal sentences, and the conjugation of first-form verbs in the past and present tense. All topics will be presented with constant reference to the intrinsic logic of the Arabic language, in order to help students clearly understand the differences compared to Italian and become familiar with the categories specific to Arabic grammar.

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliography of the practical language class

- S. Darghmouni, Kalima / parola. Lezioni di scrittura e grammatica araba con esercizi, vol. 1, Mondadori, Milano 2019.

- E. Baldissera, Dizionario Italiano-Arabo e Arabo-Italiano (Seconda Edizione), Zanichelli, Bologna 2014.

- Texts provided by the teacher and available on the Virtuale platform. 

Bibliography of the Semester course

Reference texts

- M. Diez, Introduzione alla lingua araba, Vita e Pensiero, Milano 2018.

- G. Mion, L. D'Anna, Grammatica di arabo standard moderno, Hoepli, Milano 2021.

- Slides and in-depth material provided by the teacher and available on the IOL platform.

Supplementary reading

- O. Durand, Dialettologia araba, Carocci, Roma 2008.

- G. Gabrini, O. Durand, Introduzione alle lingue semitiche, Paideia, Brescia 1994 (chapters I and III).

 

 

Teaching methods

1) Frontal lessons

2) Interactive lessons

3) Activities in pairs and / or in groups

Assessment methods

The exam consists of:

a) a written test covering the content of the practical language classes;

b) an oral exam covering both the practical language classes and the semester course.

a) The written test is structured as follows:

• Dictation (20% of the final grade);

• Comprehension of a short text and assessment of lexical skills (30% of the final grade);

• Exercises assessing morphosyntactic competence (50% of the final grade).

The use of dictionaries is not permitted.

This written test may be taken either:

• as a single exam lasting 3 hours and 10 minutes at the end of the course, on a date scheduled in the exam calendar, or

• as a midterm exam administered in three sessions during the teaching period, divided as follows:

• First part: Dictation. Duration: 10 minutes.

• Second part: Comprehension of a short text and assessment of lexical skills. Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Third part: Exercises assessing morphosyntactic competence. Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

b) The oral exam includes:
b.1) For the practical language classes: reading a vocalised text and answering simple questions in Arabic about the text and/or one of the topics covered during the course;
b.2) For the semester course component, the oral exam will include questions aimed at assessing students’ morphosyntactic competence, through targeted exercises and the analysis of sentences similar to those discussed during the semester, as well as theoretical questions on the course content.

Please note that students are not admitted to the oral exam unless they have passed the written test of the practical language classes.

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