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 at acquiring the basic phonetic and morphosyntactic aspects of the Arabic language and consists of two parts: annual practical language classes and the semester course taught by the lead instructor, Prof. Ines Peta.

Program of the annual practical language classes

The course consists of three weekly lessons and offers a gradual path that introduces students to the fundamentals of the language, writing, and communication in Modern Standard Arabic. The main objective is to provide the foundations for understanding and producing simple sentences, achieving communicative autonomy in everyday life situations, and developing solid phonetic and orthographic competence.

The first semester is devoted to learning the alphabet, with particular attention to writing and the correct pronunciation of Arabic sounds, distinguishing between short and long vowels, and solar and lunar letters. Simple language structures are also introduced to guide students in formulating nominal and verbal sentences and in engaging in initial communicative interactions. During this phase, students learn to introduce themselves, talk about their family, and describe familiar environments such as the house, the room, furniture, and the city. They also practice the correct use of essential morphosyntactic structures.

In the second semester, the thematic repertoire is expanded, and grammatical skills are refined. Students learn to describe weather conditions, seasons, food, personal preferences, and clothing, while extending descriptions of their daily routine, including activities and schedules. More complex grammatical structures are introduced as pronunciation, reading, and writing continue to be reinforced.

The grammar program includes: definite article; nominal sentence; adjective and agreement; interrogatives and particles; annexation (idāfa); feminine, dual, and plural forms; pronouns: independent, suffixes, and demonstratives; the verb: past and present, basic forms; masdar and participles; kāna and laysa; comparative forms.

Program of the semester course (30 hours) – 2nd semester (Prof. Ines Peta)

The course aims to describe the fundamental characteristics of the Arabic language at the phonological, morphological, and syntactic levels. Particular attention is given to the core elements of grammar, especially the root-pattern relationship, nominal derivation, the differences between nominal and verbal sentences, and the past and present conjugation of the verb in its first form. All topics will be approached with constant reference to the intrinsic logic of the Arabic language, to help students clearly understand the differences with Italian and to familiarize them 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.

- At-Takallum: A Comprehensive Modern Arabic Course. Student Book, Starter/A1 Level: A Comprehensive Modern Arabic Course Innovative Approach, Buruj Book, Cairo 2018.

- 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 (40% of the final grade);

• Exercises assessing morphosyntactic competence (40% of the final grade).

The use of dictionaries is not permitted.

To pass the written exam, it is necessary to obtain a minimum score of 18/30 in each of the three components of which it is composed. Only in this case is the exam considered valid and the final grade awarded.

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