QFI Presents Research on Arabic Language Education and Heritage Learners at the Bilingualism Matters Symposium

Qatar Foundation International (QFI) participated in the Bilingualism Matters Symposium, held from 24-25 March in Edinburgh, Scotland. This interdisciplinary conference brought together experts, researchers, and practitioners to explore the latest research on bilingual education and multilingualism, focusing on its cognitive, academic, and educational benefits.

QFI’s participation aligns with its mission to strengthen research on Arabic language education and advocate for multilingual education. By contributing to this event, QFI ensured that Arabic language education is represented in global conversations where it is often overlooked, reinforcing its role in the broader multilingualism dialogue.

QFI’s United Kingdom Consultant, Tony Calderbank, presented on the Arabic Speaking Competition (ASC), an initiative established in 2021 to raise the profile of Arabic and encourage students to learn the language. The competition aims to improve vocabulary, pronunciation, and speaking skills while building confidence for national exams. Set up to engage and motivate all types of learners of Arabic, the ASC has been especially popular with heritage language learners. This presentation drew from a chapter titled “The Arabic Speaking Competition: A Tool for Heritage Language Motivation and Identity Affirmation” that was authored by Tony Calderbank, Chase Smithburg, and Janine Elya, which will be featured in an upcoming Center for the Advancement of Languages, Education, and Communities volume.

Through research based on surveys and interviews with competition entrants and participants, teachers, and parents over the past two years, Calderbank explored how the competition supported student motivation, reinforced language identities, and challenged negative stereotypes of "heritage language" learners. The competition not only boosted students’ language abilities but also strengthened their sense of identity.

"The Arabic Speaking Competition offeres learners in the UK the opportunity to practice and showcase their Arabic skills. It brings together students from diverse backgrounds across the country, elevating Arabic's status as a modern foreign language, and addresses its underrepresentation in schools. Teachers report significant improvements in participants' fluency and confidence, while parents value it as a meaningful way for their children to explore their roots and connect with their heritage. This initiative reflects QFI's commitment to innovative language education and the power of multilingualism." - Tony Calderbank

QFI’s participation in the Bilingualism Matters Symposium underscored its commitment to advancing research in Arabic language education. By sharing insights into the challenges and opportunities of teaching Arabic in multilingual settings, QFI raised the visibility of Arabic within the global conversation on bilingual education. This contribution aligns with the symposium's goal of connecting research and practice, emphasizing Arabic’s role in shaping academic success and education research in a multilingual world.

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.

Bilingualism Matters

Bilingualism Matters is a community of organizations and individuals who share the commitment to make the research-based evidence on multilingualism and language learning available and accessible to families, communities, and professionals in education, health or policy. Collectively, Bilingualism Matters is creating a new generation of researchers for whom public engagement becomes essential rather than an additional part of their work.