Teaching Arabic to Speakers of Other Languages Chair (TASOL Chair)

Teaching Arabic to Speakers of Other Languages Chair (TASOL Chair) is a scholarly research chair established at King Saud University (KSU) in 2011. It aims to make a quantitative leap in linguistic studies, particularly applied sciences, by adopting effective methods and approaches and adding quantitative value to academic research, educational planning, and scientific output related to learning and teaching Arabic.

Language and culture promotion and teacher preparation and training

TASOL Chair operates under the umbrella of the Arabic Language Institute for Non-Native Speakers (ALI) at KSU as part of its longstanding efforts to spread the language of the Quran among both Muslim and non-Muslim non-native speakers through its extensive programs in language and culture promotion and teacher preparation and training.

Importance of TASOL Chair

TASOL Chair plays a critical role in enhancing the position of the Arabic language among non-native speakers as a global language adopted by major international institutions and organizations, such as the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the African Union, and United Nations institutions, which list it as one of six official world languages.

Activities of TASOL Chair

TASOL Chair was established under a comprehensive plan that included research, writing, publishing, training, and community service by organizing workshops and academic conferences, producing educational series, and focusing on advanced software development for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. Moreover, it seeks to collaborate with educational institutions and research centers to coordinate efforts related to the Arabic language.

The chair's first milestone was appointing the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) as a scientific advisory body to secure accredited certifications for examiner training programs, positioning the Institute of Arabic ALI for Non-Native Speakers and its research initiatives as pioneers, not only locally but also internationally.