The Language Center at the Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), is set to begin fall semester language courses later this month. The center will offer interested participants in Qatar the opportunity to learn one of seven languages, over a 13-week period, at the Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) Building in Education City. 

Language courses offered this fall include Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, and Chinese (Mandarin). All courses are scheduled to start on September 24 and will conclude by December 14. 

The institute will be hosting an information session about the upcoming fall semester courses on September 18, at 5 pm, in Education City’s LAS Building, giving those who aspire to learn a new language a better understanding of how the courses can be beneficial for their personal and professional development. During the session, which is open to the public, attendees will get a free miniature lesson from professional instructors at TII. Administrators will also be available to answer any questions from participants. 

Dr. Amal Al Malki, founding dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “At HBKU, we focus on the holistic development of our students and the wider resident community in Qatar. Learning new languages is an essential part of developing human capacity in the country so that we can successfully function in today’s interconnected global economy. A new language can help chart the course towards professional, business, and policy success across economic sectors, thereby fueling growth.” 

HBKU offers language classes to enable the students to enrich their experience of a given culture, or to assist in their professional growth at a local and international level. Imane Ayoub, who studied the Portuguese language, said: “I’m happy to say that, after six months of studying at TII, I’m now able to speak with my fiancé and his family in Portuguese.”  

Daniela Cocan, another student who took the Arabic class at the center, said that the opportunity had a profound impact on her understanding of the language and of Arab culture. She said: “The teaching quality was very efficient and professional due to the highly prepared, passionate and energetic instructors.”

HBKU’s Language Center classes are open to anyone over the age of 18 with a passion for learning a new language. Classes are tailored to suit a variety of learning levels, ranging from beginner to participants who seek advanced proficiency. 

“An integral part of the Language Center is our philosophy of life-long learning,” said Dr. Milena Savova, director of the Language Center. “In today’s increasingly multicultural cities, those who thrive understand that learning should continue well beyond the classroom. This includes the mastery of multiple languages, which facilitates seamless communication between customers, coworkers, associates, and lawmakers. Through our mini lessons, which will be offered on September 18, attendees will be able to experience our methodologies, get a taste of a variety of languages and interact with the instructors.”

The Language Center also recently announced its schedule for the spring and summer 2018 courses, which includes courses in Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, and Chinese (Mandarin). Spring courses start in January and will run for 13 weeks, while summer sessions start by the end of April and conclude within four to six weeks. 

To register for the upcoming mini lessons and the information session and to find out more about the programs offered by the Language Center at HBKU’s TII, visit www.tii.qa.