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The Africa Institute, an interdisciplinary academic research institution, proudly launches immersive language courses designed for non-native speakers in Amharic, Hausa, Arabic, and Kiswahili. These courses led by The Africa Institute’s African Languages and Translation Program are licensed by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) will debut in mid-October 2023.
Admissions open this September 2023 for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners. These meticulously designed eight-week-long courses are aimed to offer learners an in-depth study of a less-commonly taught language and a unique window into the diverse cultural mosaic of UAE and the African continent.
Participants may choose either virtual or in-person classes, embracing an engaging and interactive learning experience that caters to both online and on-site students. The Africa Institute accommodates working professionals with thoughtfully scheduled late afternoon classes, nurturing linguistic growth.
To ensure a focused and inclusive learning atmosphere, learners must be at least 18 years old due to a minimum age policy or if aged 15 to 17 years, learners require parental consent or approval from an educational institution.
Binyam Sisay Mendisu, Associate Director and Associate Professor at The Africa Institute, stated, “Our language courses foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Africa’s linguistic diversity. Using a Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach, learners develop comprehensive communicative competence in grammar, function, and culture. This, combined with the immersive experiences, that the program avails to migrant communities in Sharjah and its environs enhances linguistic proficiency and cultural sensitivity.
He added, “The Africa Institute’s dedicated language instructors, native or near-native speakers, hold a minimum of an MA degree in language education or related fields. With extensive teaching experience and roles in material development, they ensure a high-quality learning journey.”
The language courses launch four languages:
Amharic: Taught by Associate Professor Binyam Sisay Mendisu, our Amharic course introduces you to this language spoken by over 40 million people in Ethiopia. Amharic is not only vital for Ethiopians but also valuable for international non-profit groups, diplomats, advisors, and scholars in various fields working in Ethiopia.
Arabic: Led by Senior Lecturer Bilal Al-Omar, our Arabic course delves into the nuances and cultural significance of this global language, used in diplomacy and culture across the Arab world and beyond. Arabic proficiency is essential for studies in international law, political sciences, and more.
Hausa: Guided by lecturer Aliyu Mustapha Lawal, our Hausa course introduces the widely spoken West African language with cultural significance and practical value in research and communication. Hausa proficiency is invaluable for professionals and researchers interested in West and Central Africa.
Kiswahili (Swahili): Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Meg Arenberg, our Kiswahili course helps you master the lingua franca of East and Central Africa. Kiswahili is an official language of the African Union and is used in international diplomacy, making it an essential tool for scholars and those interested in African culture.
Classes for the cohort start on 16 October 2023 with beginner-level courses, providing learners with cross-cultural connections, research opportunities, and economic prospects for strong professional foundations.
The Africa Institute fosters critical thinkers in African studies through postgraduate education. Situated in Al Manakh area of Sharjah on the premises of Khalid bin Mohammed School, The Africa Institute campus harmoniously blends heritage with modernity. It features amenities such as an auditorium, workshop spaces, modular classrooms interspersed with open areas, a comprehensive library, and a bookshop.
For any queries, contact our admissions team on languages@theafricainstitute.org.
Click to learn more about the program, faculty, schedule and fees, download our Language Prospectus in English or Arabic.
The Africa Institute, an interdisciplinary academic research institution, proudly launches immersive language courses designed for non-native speakers in Amharic, Hausa, Arabic, and Kiswahili. These courses led by The Africa Institute’s African Languages and Translation Program are licensed by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) will debut in mid-October 2023.
The Africa Institute, an interdisciplinary academic research institution, proudly launches immersive language courses designed for non-native speakers in Amharic, Hausa, Arabic, and Kiswahili. These courses led by The Africa Institute’s African Languages and Translation Program are licensed by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) will debut in mid-October 2023.
Admissions open this September 2023 for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners. These meticulously designed eight-week-long courses are aimed to offer learners an in-depth study of a less-commonly taught language and a unique window into the diverse cultural mosaic of UAE and the African continent.
Participants may choose either virtual or in-person classes, embracing an engaging and interactive learning experience that caters to both online and on-site students. The Africa Institute accommodates working professionals with thoughtfully scheduled late afternoon classes, nurturing linguistic growth.
To ensure a focused and inclusive learning atmosphere, learners must be at least 18 years old due to a minimum age policy or if aged 15 to 17 years, learners require parental consent or approval from an educational institution.
Binyam Sisay Mendisu, Associate Director and Associate Professor at The Africa Institute, stated, “Our language courses foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Africa’s linguistic diversity. Using a Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach, learners develop comprehensive communicative competence in grammar, function, and culture. This, combined with the immersive experiences, that the program avails to migrant communities in Sharjah and its environs enhances linguistic proficiency and cultural sensitivity.
He added, “The Africa Institute’s dedicated language instructors, native or near-native speakers, hold a minimum of an MA degree in language education or related fields. With extensive teaching experience and roles in material development, they ensure a high-quality learning journey.”
The language courses launch four languages:
Amharic: Taught by Associate Professor Binyam Sisay Mendisu, our Amharic course introduces you to this language spoken by over 40 million people in Ethiopia. Amharic is not only vital for Ethiopians but also valuable for international non-profit groups, diplomats, advisors, and scholars in various fields working in Ethiopia.
Arabic: Led by Senior Lecturer Bilal Al-Omar, our Arabic course delves into the nuances and cultural significance of this global language, used in diplomacy and culture across the Arab world and beyond. Arabic proficiency is essential for studies in international law, political sciences, and more.
Hausa: Guided by lecturer Aliyu Mustapha Lawal, our Hausa course introduces the widely spoken West African language with cultural significance and practical value in research and communication. Hausa proficiency is invaluable for professionals and researchers interested in West and Central Africa.
Kiswahili (Swahili): Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Meg Arenberg, our Kiswahili course helps you master the lingua franca of East and Central Africa. Kiswahili is an official language of the African Union and is used in international diplomacy, making it an essential tool for scholars and those interested in African culture.
Classes for the cohort start on 16 October 2023 with beginner-level courses, providing learners with cross-cultural connections, research opportunities, and economic prospects for strong professional foundations.
The Africa Institute fosters critical thinkers in African studies through postgraduate education. Situated in Al Manakh area of Sharjah on the premises of Khalid bin Mohammed School, The Africa Institute campus harmoniously blends heritage with modernity. It features amenities such as an auditorium, workshop spaces, modular classrooms interspersed with open areas, a comprehensive library, and a bookshop.
For any queries, contact our admissions team on languages@theafricainstitute.org.
Click to learn more about the program, faculty, schedule and fees, download our Language Prospectus in English or Arabic.
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