QFI Engages in Key Discussions on Arabic Language Education in Germany at AGYA Conference

Qatar Foundation International (QFI) was invited to participate in the Arab German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA) Conference, held from 16-18 December 2024, at the Centre for the Arabic Language at Münster University. The conference, titled “Arabic as a Foreign and Heritage Language in the German Education System," brought together stakeholders from academia, government, and the education sector to address the challenges facing Arabic language education in Germany and to explore practical solutions.

The AGYA conference provided an essential platform for addressing challenges and opportunities in Germany’s Arabic language education system, including insufficient teacher training, how to navigate Germany’s decentralized education system, and what has worked well and who has created strong syllabi. This conference also allowed for strong collaboration among experts and decision-makers to meet the growing demand for Arabic instruction, driven by heritage speakers and those pursuing the language for academic or professional purposes. Presenters at AGYA included universities such as Leipzig University,  Ruhr University Bochum, and  University of Münster, teachers who began learning Arabic at an early age and are now full-time educators, and Dr. Carine Allaf, QFI’s Senior Director of Research. QFI’s involvement underscored its commitment to bridging these gaps through research, strategic partnerships, and innovative initiatives.

QFI’s Role in Addressing Germany’s Challenges

QFI has been actively supporting Arabic language education in Germany over the past eight years, beginning with its foundational partnership with the Deutsch-Arabische Freundschaftsgesellschaft (DAFG). This collaboration has led to initiatives such as free online Arabic courses for German teachers and a series of workshops, which have increased access to professional development opportunities for educators and raised awareness of the Arabic language. QFI developed “Arabic for Teachers,” a 10-week online introductory Arabic course, in partnership with the State Language Institute at the Ruhr University Bochum (LSI) and the DAFG, as well as collaborating with the University of Münster to develop teacher workshops for teachers who focus on K-12 Arabic. Additionally, Leipzig University released its QFI-supported study, “Current State of Teaching Arabic Language in the Public Sector in Germany,” which provides the first comprehensive overview of Arabic language teaching across various states in Germany. These initiatives have contributed to the growing Arabic language landscape in Germany.

At the conference, Dr. Allaf emphasized the foundation’s research-driven approach to addressing the systemic challenges in Arabic education. Her presentation, titled “Qatar Foundation International (QFI) – Advancing Research in Arabic Language Education,” showcased QFI’s efforts to promote evidence-based teaching practices and expand access to Arabic instruction in all its geographies, including Germany.

Innovative Teaching Methodologies Based on Research
Dr. Allaf also presented case studies that demonstrate QFI’s commitment to innovation in Arabic pedagogy. One standout example was the University of Leeds’ Raising Awareness and Supporting Recognition of Regional Varieties in the Teaching of Arabic: Principles and the coinciding Guidelines for Integrating Regional Dialectal Variation in the Arabic Classroom. This research emphasizes the importance of embracing linguistic diversity in the Arabic classroom, an approach that is particularly relevant in Germany, where the diversity of Arabic-speaking communities calls for inclusive teaching methods.

Collaborative Efforts for Systemic Change

The conference highlighted the efforts of AGYA, focusing on their initiatives such as educational exchange programs and the internationalization of teaching degrees. It also featured experiences from countries such as the UK, Malta, and Italy, demonstrating that while the challenges of teaching Arabic may differ across regions, these barriers are universal. This emphasizes QFI's crucial role in fostering global collaboration and professional development to tackle these shared challenges. QFI strengthens networks of Arabic language programs and educators across the US, UK, and parts of Europe, facilitating connections and promoting the exchange of best practices worldwide.

“QFI is committed to addressing the challenges of Arabic language education in Germany, drawing from our work in other contexts” said Dr. Allaf. “Through our research, partnerships, and programming, we are working to create a sustainable ecosystem for Arabic learning that benefits all types of learners. Our collaboration with key partners such as DAFG, Münster University, and other stakeholders in Germany is integral to increasing access to quality Arabic language programs to school-aged children in Germany.

Looking Ahead
QFI’s efforts in Germany are part of its broader mission to promote Arabic as a global language and to support educators, schools, and policymakers in making Arabic education as accessible and professional as other world languages. By addressing systemic challenges and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, QFI is helping to build a more inclusive and globally connected education system in Germany.

About Qatar Foundation International (QFI)

Qatar Foundation International (QFI), based in Washington, DC, is dedicated to advancing the value of teaching and learning Arabic as a global language. QFI supports teachers, schools, administrators, and universities to make the teaching and learning of Arabic as accessible and professional as other world languages. For more information visit www.qfi.org.

About the AGYA 

The Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA) brings together excellent Arab and German scholars to address common challenges and develop solutions through sustainable research cooperation. Learn more: https://agya.info/