The 'Arabic for Non-Native Speakers' Series at the University of Jordan: Current Status and Future Prospects

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/Hum.2026.10918

Keywords:

Arabic for Non-Native Speakers, Arabic Language Curriculum, University of Jordan Series, Knowledge Content, Challenges.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to identify the challenges of teaching the "Arabic for Non-Native Speakers" series at the University of Jordan – Language Center, and to propose a vision for how the series could be developed in light of international frameworks for foreign language education.

Methods: The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to examine the knowledge content of the series and to uncover the challenges faced by both teachers and learners in teaching and learning the "Arabic for Non-Native Speakers" series at the University of Jordan.

Results: The study revealed several key challenges encountered by both instructors and learners, including: weak integration of language skills, inconsistency in the readability levels of educational texts, lack of methodological foundations in the design and content of language exercises, limited presentation of Arab and Islamic culture, and the absence of technological and digital components in the series.

Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a pressing need to reconstruct the series based on recognized standards for designing Arabic textbooks for non-native speakers, and in accordance with global frameworks for teaching foreign languages. It recommended the application of the Backward Design model in developing Arabic language series for non-native speakers, as it enhances learner effectiveness and places the learner at the center of the educational process. The study also stressed the importance of integrating technological and digital tools into educational content, considering 21st-century skills, and conducting regular reviews to develop and update educational series in line with contemporary demands and linguistic theory developments.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abu Mughnam, J. (2021). An analysis of the sixth Arabic language textbook for non-native speakers at the University of Jordan in light of the principles and standards for preparing Arabic language textbooks for non-native speakers. Journal of Linguistic and Literary Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia, Issue 1, Year 13, June, p. 162.

Al-Hajouri, S., & Al-Jarrah, M. (2016). The ACTFL Guidelines: A Descriptive and Analytical Study. Al-Athar Journal, Issue 25, p. 91.

Taima, R. (1985). A working guide to preparing educational materials for Arabic language teaching programs. Series on Arabic Language Teaching Studies, Umm Al-Qura University, Institute of Arabic Language, p. 198.

Taima, R. (1986). Psychological foundations in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. Dar Al-Fikr Al-Arabi, p. 103.

Othman, A. (2016). Scientific foundations for constructing Arabic language teaching texts for non-native speakers. Journal of Arabic and Human Sciences, Vol. 9, No. 3, April 30, Qassim University, Scientific Publishing and Translation Center, pp. 9–10.

Al-Oleimat, F. (2011). Evaluation of the second Arabic language textbook for non-native speakers at the International Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers at the University of Jordan from the perspective of teachers and students. Dirasat: Human and Social Sciences, Vol. 38, No. 3.

Al-Oleimat, F. (2014). Evaluation of the sixth Arabic language textbook for non-native speakers at the Language Center of the University of Jordan from the perspective of teachers and students. Linguistic Research Journal, Mohammed V University – Institute of Studies and Research for Arabization, Issue 31.

Kaifoush, R. (2022). Communicative teaching of language skills. Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, Mohamed Seddik Ben Yahia University – Jijel, Algeria, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 169–209.

Al-Marashdah, T. (2019). Building language skills in Arabic language teaching textbooks for non-native speakers in Jordanian public universities. Dar Al-Jinan Publishing and Distribution.

The Educational Center for the Arabic Language of the Gulf States. (2023). Reference framework for teaching Arabic to speakers of other languages, pp. 29–31.

Al-Hashemi, A., & Taha, M. (2011). Content analysis of school curricula (1st ed.). Dar Safa for Publishing and Distribution, Jordan, p. 175.

Al-Wazzan, K., Al-Assaf, N., & Al-Assaf, D. (2018). An analysis of the three beginner-level textbooks at the Language Center / University of Jordan in light of the principles of preparing educational books for non-native Arabic speakers. Dirasat Journal, Ammar Thaliji University – Laghouat, Issue 73, pp. 12–35.

References

Davison, A. (1990). Readability and reading levels. In H. J. Walberg & G. D. Haertel (Eds.), International Encyclopedia of Educational Evaluation. New York: Pergamon Press.

Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books, p.89.

Hittleman, D. (1978). Readability formulas and cloze selecting instructional materials. Journal of Reading, Vol. 12, No. 2.

Wiggings, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design (2nd ed.). Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Macalister, J., & Nation, I. S. P. (2020). Language curriculum design, Second edition, by Routledge, Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017 and By Routledge 2 park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN.

Downloads

Published

2026-07-23

Issue

Section

Arabic Language and Literature

How to Cite

Al-Assa, D. M., & Abu Mughnam, J. A. (2026). The ’Arabic for Non-Native Speakers’ Series at the University of Jordan: Current Status and Future Prospects. Dirasat: Human and Social Sciences, 53(10), 10918. https://doi.org/10.35516/Hum.2026.10918