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Dr. Mahmoud Radwan provided an enlightening examination of crisis narratives in his presentation, "Renditions of Human Crisis in Narratives," at a webinar hosted by the Faculty of Languages and Translation at King Khalid University on January 25, 2023. His exploration encompassed various narrative forms and their elements, including loss, blame, renewal, heroism, and recovery often depicted in such stories. Commencing with a thought-provoking question — do narratives drive human crises — Dr. Radwan elaborated on the role of creative writing in shaping and managing these narratives. He noted that we inhabit an unpredictable world, punctuated by climate change and emerging diseases. Environmental degradation often incites a communication void, psychological discomfort, and a sense of loss. Furthermore, he explained that narratives frequently mirror the turbulence born out of such crises, serving as a tool to counter uncertainty. Dr. Radwan pointed out the stark contrast between learning about a crisis from the news and through a work of art. News reports, he suggested, present crisis facts rigidly, making it challenging for average readers to digest. Creative works, conversely, depict chaotic events sequentially, establishing structures based on cause and effect patterns. These narratives, he argued, frame meaning within blame and responsibility contexts, ultimately determining accountability and necessary actions. He also referenced the thoughts of Benoit, Birkland, and Heath on the role of narratives. Dr. Radwan highlighted notable crisis narratives: Chimamanda Adichie's "Americanah" (2013) examines the crisis of cultural deracination; Paul Kalanithi's "When Breath Becomes Air" (2016) addresses the mortality crisis; Barbara Kingsolver's "Flight Behavior" (2012) tackles climate change, encapsulating "solastalgia" and "speciestalgia"; and Graham Elder's "Covid-19 Odyssey: A Pandemic Story" frames COVID-19 as a disruptor of normal life dynamics and routines. In conclusion, Dr. Radwan acknowledged that crises occur and will likely continue with increasing frequency. To navigate these catastrophic episodes, he emphasized the need to remodel our roles within the cosmos and construct a new paradigm. This reimagined model should be inclusive, sustainable, and founded on collective solidarity. The webinar was highly engaging and interactive, with attendees contributing valuable insights throughout the session. Overall, the event was widely regarded as a substantial success. Date: 1/29/2023 Source: Mohammad Adil Siddique
  On January 18th, the Alumni Unit of the Faculty of Languages and Translation hosted a webinar on "Navigating the Job Market: Insights for Undergrad and Grad Students in Language-related Programs in Saudi Arabia." The webinar was held from 8 pm to 9 pm and had a diverse group of participants, including international and graduate students from the Faculty. The speaker for the event was Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs & Quality, and the meeting was hosted by the Alumni Unit Supervisor, Mohsin Raza Khan.   The webinar aimed to inform students about the challenges and opportunities in the job market for graduates of English programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Almosa discussed the importance of soft skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability for success in the job market and how students from the Faculty of Languages and Translation are well-positioned to develop these skills. He also emphasized the importance of being competitive by adding professional certificates such as project management, data analysis, or digital marketing. This not only enhances their CV and makes them stand out but also allows them to work in different fields and industries. It also gives them a competitive advantage and increases their employability. Additionally, it shows that they have practical skills, knowledge and experience in a specific field, and can bring value to the organization.   Dr. Almosa advised students to follow their passion and plan for their future career path. He highlighted that the Human Capability Development Program, a newly refreshed Vision 2030 program, is an excellent opportunity for students to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the job market. He also encouraged students to consider job opportunities in areas where there is a lack of workers and to capitalize on these vacancies.   Mohsin Raza Khan, the Alumni Unit Supervisor, followed up on Dr. Almosa's points by emphasizing the importance of English language skills as the crux of everything, especially in the job market. He explained that students from the Faculty of Languages and Translation have a strong foundation in the language due to their coursework and training in areas such as phonetics, grammar, and literature. He provided examples of how these skills can be applied in the job market, such as in business communication, technical writing, and interpreting.   The Q&A session was lively, and students asked about the possibility of obtaining career guidance and help from the college in securing internships. The response was positive, and students were directed to The Forage, a virtual internship platform. The Faculty of Languages and Translation has formed a partnership with The Forage, which gives students access to a wide range of opportunities and resources to help them secure internships and start building their professional network. The Forage is a platform that offers students the opportunity to connect with companies and organizations for virtual internships. The platform is designed to help students gain real-world experience and skills, build their professional network and prepare for the job market. It offers a variety of internships in different fields, remote working opportunities, and mentorship programs, and also it enables students to include the virtual internship experience on their CV, under specific conditions and language, as well as the ability to add badges to their LinkedIn profile, highlighting their skills and accomplishments. The Forage has a set of rules and regulations that the students must adhere to, such as meeting deadlines, attending online meetings, and submitting assignments.   Dr. Almosa also mentioned that the college is working on other opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and develop their skills. He said that the college is dedicated to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed in the job market and secure their desired career path.   The webinar concluded with Dr. Almosa thanking all of the students and staff who participated, noting that the Alumni Unit is a valuable resource to our students. Mohsin Raza Khan thanked on behalf of the Alumni Unit all of the faculty who participated and mentioned he looked forward to more opportunities for students to gain insight and knowledge about the job market. Date: 1/19/2023 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
  Dr. Khaled Abu Melha, born on February 15, 1970, passed away at the beginning of December 2022. He was a respected academic and dedicated educator who made significant contributions to the field of translation, specifically at King Khalid University's Faculty of Languages and Translation.   Dr. Abu Melha obtained his BA in translation from Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Abha branch, in July 1994 before starting his first career as a teaching assistant in September of the same year. He later went on to obtain his MA and Ph.D. in Translation from Durham University, UK, in December 1998 and March 2004, respectively.   Throughout his career, Dr. Abu Melha held various administrative positions, including Vice Dean of the Faculty of Languages & Translation, Chair of the Translation Department, and Director of the English Language Center. He was also an active member of several committees, including the University Standing Committee for Scholarship and Training, the Translation Committee, the Curriculum Committee, the Study Plans Committee, the English Department Timetable Committee, and the English Department Exams Committee.   In his tenure at King Khalid University, Dr. Abu Melha made significant contributions to the Faculty of Languages and Translation. His efforts in curriculum development and the implementation of cutting-edge teaching methods helped to enhance the quality of education for students. He was also actively involved in research and publication, contributing to the advancement of the field of translation. His dedication to the faculty and university will be greatly missed.   In addition to his administrative duties, Dr. Abu Melha was a respected researcher and presenter, participating in and attending several conferences in Saudi Arabia and the UK. He also taught a variety of translation courses in undergraduate and graduate programs.   Dr. Abu Melha will be remembered for his dedication to the field of translation and his commitment to educating the next generation of translators. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and students. He was not only a respected academic but also a kind and humble person who always put others before himself. Dr. Abu Melha's passing is a great loss to the academic community, and he will be deeply missed. Date: 1/17/2023 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
On December 21, 2022, King Khalid University's Faculty of Languages and Translation hosted a webinar featuring Dr. Shadma Iffat Rahmatullah. Her presentation, entitled "Catalyzing Change: Preparing Students for the Real World," emphasized the importance of equipping students with skills that transcend the traditional academic environment and adequately prepare them for future challenges. Drawing upon her extensive classroom experience and observation, Dr. Rahmatullah challenged the status quo of pedagogical practices. She prompted educators to question if merely covering the syllabus and helping students achieve high grades truly prepares them for their future endeavors. Her poignant questions unveiled the often-overlooked truth about prevalent teaching methods. Dr. Rahmatullah urged educators to prioritize teaching that is closely aligned with real-world applications, rather than focusing solely on academic success. She stressed that the ultimate goal should be to impart skills that will help students succeed in life, well beyond their school years. Clarifying the concept of real-world learning, Dr. Rahmatullah defined it as authentic learning that goes beyond grades and exam performance. According to her, pragmatic and practical learning can answer the frequently asked student question, "Why are we learning this?" This question, she suggests, signifies students' growing awareness of the practical implications of their studies and their desire to understand the real-world relevance of their coursework. She provided a comprehensive explanation of what it means to be "world-ready." A world-ready student, she posited, should have the skills to navigate life independently, be equipped to face any challenges, and be prepared for life's unpredictability. In her conclusion, Dr. Rahmatullah emphasized the importance of integrating real-world examples into teaching practices to prepare students for the future. She also highlighted the need for students to gain knowledge about significant global issues. The webinar proved to be an engaging event, fostering critical discussions and achieving significant success. Date: 12/25/2022 Source: Mohammad Adil Siddique
In an initiative that reflects the Faculty of Languages and Translation's ongoing dedication to academic excellence, a comprehensive webinar was held on November 2, 2022, targeting MA students, Ph.D. candidates, and faculty members. Dr. Amal Metwally's session, entitled "Publication Process & Validated Measures of Scientific Publication Quality," reflected the faculty's implicit strategy of enhancing publication quality through collaborative academic endeavors. Dr. Metwally's presentation offered deep insights into publication protocols, emphasizing the peer-review process and manuscript life cycle. Her approach not only provided valuable knowledge but also fostered an environment reminiscent of interactive academic discussions, where insights and critiques are shared openly. Highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate journal for research articles, Dr. Metwally introduced several research evaluation tools, such as the one at https://mjl.clarivate.com. Her guidance on assessing journals' goals and scope subtly encouraged a collective approach to academic publishing, where decisions are refined through shared understanding and dialogue. In the second part of her presentation, Dr. Metwally shed light on various indicators of scientific journal quality, such as journal impact factors, the SCImago Journal Rank indicator, citations, the h-index, and the ISSN (International Standard Serial Number). This information was particularly beneficial for faculty members and students in their quest to navigate the complex landscape of academic publishing. The webinar's positive reception from the participants not only attested to its educational value but also highlighted its role in fostering a culture where quality in academic publication is pursued through shared learning and mutual support. This event stands as a testament to the faculty's continuous efforts in promoting an environment conducive to scholarly growth and excellence. Date: 11/7/2022 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
On October 31, 2022, the Guidance and Counseling Unit (GCU) of King Khalid University held a workshop in collaboration with the Saudi Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf). The event also included an appreciation ceremony to recognize high-achieving students, dedicated faculty members, and supportive staff. Dean Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, Chairman Dr. Ibrahim Alasmari, and GCU Head Dr. Dawood Mahdi led the proceedings. The event began with Muhammad Jaber Al-Harbi, a career counselor at Hadaf, who introduced the attendees to the various employment support programs offered by Hadaf. Al-Harbi's comprehensive presentation titled "The Art of Dealing with Tests" was particularly well-received by participants for its interactive nature. It motivated students to formulate a plan of action for their upcoming final exams. Following the informative session, the ceremony recognized students who had attained a cumulative grade point average of 4.5 or higher for the second semester of 1443. The attendees congratulated the high achievers and expressed their best wishes for their continued academic success. Dr. Mahdi and the leadership team then awarded Muhammad Jaber Al-Harbi, a Hadaf career counselor, with a certificate of appreciation for his insightful presentation. The celebration then shifted to recognize the faculty, notably highlighting the administrative staff's pivotal role in the program's recent milestones. These staff members played a crucial part in the seamless transition to the new campus, skillfully coordinating the logistics and ensuring that every detail, from classroom setups to technology installations, was flawlessly executed. Their proficiency was further demonstrated in the procurement and setup of advanced facilities and equipment, which have significantly elevated the educational experience. Dean Al-Melhi, acknowledging these contributions, stated, "Your commitment and skill in navigating our move to the new campus, upgrading our facilities, and bringing in state-of-the-art equipment have been crucial. It's this kind of hands-on engagement in strategizing, making critical decisions, and upholding excellence that we aim to foster among all our administrative staff. Beyond the physical enhancements, your support for our international scholarship students, ensuring their seamless transition and academic prosperity, is equally commendable. This comprehensive and engaged approach truly embodies the essence of our team and is the driving force behind our program's success." The event also paid homage to the current and former GCU ambassadors, celebrating their vital role in fostering the university's legacy through their dedicated service and contributions to GCU's thriving community. In their closing remarks, Dean Al-Melhi and Dr. Mahdi urged the students to remain diligent and industrious. They motivated high-performing students to maintain their academic excellence and to assist their peers in fostering effective study habits. Their inspirational speech underscored the university's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to the holistic development of its students.
  The Alumni Unit of the Faculty of Languages and Translation hosted a webinar on a new virtual internship-based learning project on October 25, 2022, with the goal of integrating employability into all undergraduate and graduate programs. The objective is for all undergraduate and graduate students to acquire employability skills that are aligned with learning outcomes and help them prepare for a competitive job market.   In response to the increased demand for digital skills programs post-Covid-19, the Faculty of Languages and Translation worked to find innovative and expedient means for our students to acquire essential employability skills. After an initial agreement with Forage to become a university partner in July 2022 and further correspondence to officially integrate the Faculty of Languages and Translation platform onto Forage, it became clear that our goals were the same: to let students access online virtual internships from anywhere, at any time, with no restrictions.   Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Development, kicked off the webinar moderated by Mohsin Reza Khan by introducing the Forage and explaining that students will be able to develop their skills and try out different roles and industries by working through self-paced modules, noting that students and alumni will gain a better understanding of the diverse and exciting career paths available. He emphasized the importance of students and alumni having the skills and confidence necessary for success as they transition from the classroom to the professional world. Following after, Hassan Costello continued to provide additional background information on the Forage. He emphasized that companies on Forage believe talent is more important than connections and mentioned that it is a great way to demonstrate an initial interest or passion for a specific organization and the type of work they do, which will be advantageous in any future recruitment process. He explained that after completing a program, students and alumni would receive a personalized certificate and a digital certificate that serves as evidence of acquired skills. He then highlighted that those who complete an online internship program could update their LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV under the "Certifications" section with their new skills to boost their credentials and kickstart their career growth. "Employers are twice as likely to interview a Forage candidate and four times as likely to offer them a position," he concluded.   Abdussalam Tahir Abdulmajid, a senior, described his experience completing virtual internships on the Forage, emphasizing that signing up is user-friendly and the courses are self-paced. He highlighted that one program requires five to six hours to complete and that you can complete as many as you like. With over 190+ courses to choose from, Abdussalam encouraged his fellow students to sample what real-life work at leading companies would be like and to fully explore their interests.   The webinar participants were then able to pose questions directly to Abdussalam and Dr. Almosa during a lively Q&A session. Date: 10/26/2022 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
في سياق تمتين العلاقة مع الخريجين والخريجات من برنامج ماجستير اللغويات التطبيقية وبرعاية كريمة من سعادة عميد الكلية أ.د عبدالله آل ملهي نظمت كلية اللغات والترجمة ممثلة بوكيل الكلية للتطوير والجودة الدكتور عبدالرحمن الموسى ورئيس وحدة التطوير والجودة الدكتور حسن جعشان لقاءا على منصة الزووم حضره كوكبة من خريجي وخريجات عامي 1441 و 1442 . كما حضر اللقاء منسق الدراسات العليا في الكلية الدكتور إسماعيل الرفاعي وعضو هيئة التدريس في البرنامج الدكتور عبدالواحد الزمر. وفي مستهل اللقاء رحب د. الموسى بالحضور وشكر الخريجين والخريجات على تلبية الدعوة ووضح لهم أهمية التواصل معهم كونهم شركاء نجاح للكلية وبرامجها وأن علاقتهم مع الجامعة لا تنقطع بمغادرتهم إلى سوق العمل. كما أوضح أن الهدف الرئيس من هذا اللقاء هو الاستماع إلى تجاربهم بعد الالتحاق بسوق العمل وكيف أن البرنامج ساهم في تطوير معارفهم ومهاراتهم المهنية بالإضافة إلى أبرز الصعوبات التي واجهتهم وكيف يمكن أن تنعكس هذه الخبرات إيجابا على تطوير البرنامج وتحسين أدائه مما يؤهله للمساهمة الوطنية الفاعلة في تحقيق أهداف برنامج تنمية القدرات البشرية المنبثق عن الرؤية 2030. ثم فتح المجال بعد ذلك للضيوف الخريجين والخريجات الذين عبروا بتداء عن سعادتهم الغامرة بهذه اللفتة الكريمة من الكلية تلى ذلك حديثهم بكل شفافية ومصداقية وأثروا اللقاء بقلوب محبة للمؤسسة والوطن وبلغة راقية عكست شخصيات ناجحة ساهم البرنامج في تكوينها وتميزها. وكان من أبرز نقاط القوة في برنامج ماجستير اللغويات التطبيقية التي أشاروا إليها: الهيئة التدريسية المميزة ودور البرنامج في تنمية المهارات الشخصية والمهنية والقيم. كما أشار الحاضرون والحاضرات إلى دور البرنامج في: صقل شخصياتهم أكاديميا ومهنيا وتوسيع المدارك والنظرة العالمية للأمور وكذلك زرع البرنامج فيهم الثقة بالنفس والذاتية وساهم في تهيئة من يرغب منهم لمواصلة الدكتوراه ورسم لهم طريقا واضح الملامح للانطلاق في البحث العلمي الرصين والانتاج المعرفي. كما تطرق الضيوف إلى بعض الأمور التي تحتاج إلى تحسين للدفع بالبرنامج إلى الأمام ومنها سد الفجوة المعرفية والمهارية للطلبة بين البكالوريوس والماجستير وضرورة إتاحة الفرصة لهم للإطلاع على ما لدى الجامعات الأخرى محليا وإقليميا وإثراء مصادر البحث العلمي بشكل أكبر ومساهمة الجامعة الفاعل في البحث عن فرص وظيفية لخريجيها وتطوير وتنويع طرائق التدريس والتقييم وإتاحة الفرصة بشكل أكبر للطلبة في الأنشطة البحثية والتدريب الشامل على مهارات البحث العلمي خارج الإطار التقليدي للمحاضرات. الجدير بالذكر أن ضيوف الكلية يعملون في مجالات حيوية شتى في سوق العمل داخل المملكة على سبيل المثال لا الحصر: في شركة ارامكو وجامعة الملك خالد وجامعة جازان وجامعة الملك سعود للعلوم الطبية والهيئة الملكية بالجبيل وجامعة اليمامة وشركة الكهرباء وشركة ابن رشد التعليمية ومعهد الخليج للتدريب العالي والتعليم العام الحكومي والخاص وبعض الجهات الحكومية الأخرى. اختتم اللقاء بالاتفاق على استمرار التواصل بين الكلية والخريجين والخريجات كونهم سفراء الجامعة لدى جهات التوظيف وفي مختلف المؤسسات وكذلك الاستفادة منهم في التطوير المستمر للبرنامج وإرشاد الطلبة الحاليين وتوجيه حديثي التخرج للبحث الأمثل عن فرص وظيفية مناسبة.
  The Faculty of Languages and Translation, King Khalid University, had a great loss this year when one of its teaching staff passed away, leaving behind a vacuum among us.   Dr. Adel Bahameed was an Associate Professor of Translation at the Department of English, Faculty of Languages and Translation, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia, from 2018 to 2022. He previously worked for Hadhramout University, Yemen, for twelve years. His areas of interest included Cross-Cultural Translation, Assessment of Translation, Interpreting, and Technicalities of Translation.   He was born in 1971 in Hadhramaut, Yemen. He was a husband and a father of two daughters and a son. He graduated from the University of Aden, Yemen, in 1995 with a B.A. in English Language and received his M.A. in English Language and Translation from Yarmouk University, Jordan, in 2002. His Ph.D. in English Language and Translation was obtained from Universiti Sains in Malaysia in 2007. He held various teaching and research positions in Yemen, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. Dr. Bahameed was fluent in Arabic and English and had a working knowledge of Malay. He died in his hometown in Hadhramout in April 2022.   Research Work   Dr. Bahameed published several research articles in renowned journals covering various themes related to translation. He actively attended several conferences and seminars and presented quite a good number of research papers related to his specialization. His latest article was published in January 2020 and entitled Saudi MA Translators: An Evaluation Issue. He also wrote two books: Think-Aloud Protocols: Translating Proverbs in 2009 and Translation One: A textbook for Translation Students in 2014. In addition, he supervised M.A. dissertations as an external examiner.   We are going to miss him, and we are sure that our college will always wish that he could be there among us, sharing his creative thoughts and ideas. His contribution to the faculty, colleagues, and students will always be appreciated. Our prayers will always be with him and his family. Date: 5/23/2022 Source: Aziz Salafi
  On 17 May 2022, the Translation Unit invited Mr. Ahmad Assiri, a Ph.D. candidate in Translation Studies at Macquarie University, to deliver a special translation webinar available to all King Khalid University students. The webinar, entitled "Translation in a Clear & Correct Arabic Language", stressed key aspects of the Arabic Language that translators/interpreters should consider in order to produce a clear Arabic translation/interpretation when conveying English texts to Arabic, including stylistic, grammatic, orthographic aspects. The webinar also highlighted a number of issues that help translators post-edit their work.   "It was a pleasure speaking to KKU’s students during this amazing webinar organized by the Translation Unit. The number of attendees, as well as their interactive engagement with the content, reflects an outstanding understanding of the key concepts presented," said Mr. Ahmad Assiri.   Of noteworthy mention, attendance at the webinar was high, with nearly 100 participants actively participating in practical training exercises related to the aspects discussed throughout the session. Thank you to everyone who participated live. If you were unable to attend, you can view a recording of the webinar here: https://youtu.be/AVOH20MhNdA Date: 5/20/2022 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
  The English Department recently hosted an exciting Public Speaking Competition. The audience of over 100 attendees were treated to a magnificent display of talent by the participants. Because of the high standard of all the competitors' presentations, it was extremely difficult for the judges to choose outright winners.   The Dean will be hosting a small prize-giving event for these fantastic competitors in the near future. The Mountain Top Magazine's student journalists will publish a more comprehensive article, and provide related video links about this historic, world-class event, in the next issue. Date: 4/6/2022 Source: Azad Hayat
  On 22 March 2022, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, and Translation Unit Director, Dr. Eisa Asiri, interviewed with Al Ekhbariya, an Arabic news and current affairs satellite TV channel based in Riyadh. Dean Al-Melhi began his interview by introducing how the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT) was established, the academic roles of the FLT, our recently achieved full accreditation status in the Bachelor of Arts in English program, and the community roles of the FLT, including partnerships with several government & private institutions. He then pivoted to recent developments on the horizon, mentioning the new era of the Chinese language in Saudi Arabia and how the FLT responded to the call by establishing the Department of Modern Languages.   Dr. Eisa Asiri was interviewed shortly after, echoing Dean Al-Melhi’s main points. He mentioned the newly established Translation Unit (TU) at the university level and how TU aims to allow FLT students and students in all colleges to take the absolute full advantage of the several short-term and long-term programs. He highlighted that by translating research outputs and materials from Arabic into other languages, the local community of Asir is served, creating a spirit of community partnership and preparing qualified personnel to meet the needs of the region.   To view footage of the interview, please visit https://flt.page.link/Al-Ekhbariya. Date: 4/1/2022 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
  On Monday, March 28, 2022, the accreditation team celebrated news of the Bachelor of Arts in English Program, one of the leading programs at King Khalid University, being awarded full accreditation for the first time by the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, represented by the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA) for 7 years beginning in the first quarter of 2022.   The new accomplishment cements BAEP's position as a prestigious language and translation program offering an excellent quality of education centered on preparing students to be future leaders in the fields of English language studies and translation and contributing to the overall development and economic growth of the Kingdom.   "We are grateful to the entire senior leadership team of King Khalid University at the level of the president, vice president, vice rectors, and deanships. Without their support, this achievement would not be possible. We would also like to thank all internal quality consultants, whose dedication to the program and enthusiasm for its success made this possible. Finally, we thank all faculty members and staff who worked together to accomplish this feat. We strive to uphold the highest standards in teaching, learning, research, student support, curricula, learning resources and community service. This is an accomplishment for all of us," said Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation.   "I want to express my tremendous gratitude to the quality team for their tireless efforts. Working day and night, their efforts have helped us continuously improve our quality assurance system. It was not an easy task for all of us, and now it is time to celebrate," said Vice Dean for Quality and Development, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa. He then congratulated all faculty and staff and mentioned that BAEP is aligned with Vision 2030 and the Aseer Strategic Plan in that we aim to graduate students who can contribute positively to the national economy and development being witnessed on all levels all across the Kingdom, especially the Asir region. Date: 3/30/2022 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
  Ms. Anjum Mishu conducted a presentation titled "Language of the Professionals: How to Write Academic English (International Tests, Research Papers or Journals)" at a webinar organized by the female Alumni Unit on 23 March 2022. She highlighted the problem faced by students when they want to take competency tests and write research papers as a part of MA and Ph.D. programs. She stressed the fact that students find it challenging to jump from the casual day-to-day style to the very high standard expected of them at the tertiary level.   Ms. Anjum offered a solution to this problem by showing them that through the application of strategies at the syntax level, they can transform simple and plain sentences into formal and academic ones. Attitude adverbials, fronting, cleft sentences, quantifying differences, generalizing and distancing, referencing, etc., are to name a few of the strategies.   The presenter also emphasized that academic tone can be improved through the proper use of affixes at the lexical level. She added charts of useful affixes so that they could come in handy for the students. Date: 3/25/2022 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
  The Language Research Center organized a webinar on March 23, 2022, that included a presentation titled "Analyzing the Efficacy of the Teaching Approaches Implemented by the Literature Teachers for EFL Students: Undergraduate Learners' Perspective", which was delivered by Dr. Najmus Sarifa and Ms. Rakhshinda Jabeen.   Sarifa and Jabeen spoke about different approaches to teaching literature, highlighting the fact that we should never ignore the significance of the extent to which learners learn when a particular teaching method or a technique is implemented in class. In other words, the researchers emphasized the learning methods rather than the teaching ones. The study explored the effectiveness of certain teaching approaches employed by teachers in a literature classroom.   Literature, the researchers added, is beyond what is commonly believed. This is even beyond learning about "people, culture, ethics, behaviours and other social norms" (Mustakim, Mustapha & Lebar 2018). Literature courses, they said, are indispensable for enhancing the learning scope of the language. A variety of characters with certain literary diction takes language learning to another level.   The researchers highlighted the fact that technology and innovation have given rise to a dramatic change in learning skills. They pointed up the inclusion of a profound range of literary works in the course curriculum. The dual benefit of including literature in the curriculum at the tertiary level, they said, is the fact that the students can develop an insight into the culture and characters of the English society and increase their imaginative power.   Sarifa and Jabeen explained in detail certain approaches to teaching literature such as teacher-centered approach, stylistic approach, learner-centered approach, paraphrastic approach, and culture-based approach by comparing them.   The speakers concluded that literature teachers need to be creative and trained enough to choose a teaching method that provides maximum benefits to the learners.   The webinar was very informative and a great success. Date: 3/25/2022 Source: Mohammad Adil Siddique
  The Translation Unit (TU) organized a translation competition titled "Translator of the Nation", coinciding with the faculty's celebration of Saudi Arabia's 'Founding Day' on Tuesday, 22 February 2022. Participants were involved in translating several journalistic texts about this national and remarkable occasion. This competition was received warmly by our MA and BA students on several campuses, thus raising awareness about this occasion and reinforcing the role of TU in transferring local and authentic admirable events through translation from Arabic into English. The improvement of students' translator skills was a goal that TU has sought to achieve from this competition. TU received more than 50 texts from our students.   Some winners expressed their views regarding this competition.   "Being a part of the competition — 'the Translator of the Nation' — was an honor because it was the least that we could do to give back to our country. In addition, I would like to thank the Translation Unit for this wonderful opportunity to translate to enable people to learn more about this cherished event, Founding Day," said Abdulaziz Alalawi.   Abeer Alasmari highlighted that the "Torjoman Al-Watan Competition was an initiative that truly ignited our patriotic sentiment and rekindled that spark of passion inside all of us translators. It's an admirable gesture of the Translation Unit at the Faculty of Languages and Translation at KKU, to which we all are deeply appreciative."   "Participating in such a multi-purpose competition designed to accomplish national educational goals was a really wonderful thing. It isn't winning or losing that matters since success is measured by what we've done to prepare for the competition, and the fruits we've reaped were absolutely inspiring & uplifting," said Jamilah Shah.   Asma Hassan emphasized the importance of this competition in boosting students' skills in translation by saying, "The competition was like a test for my abilities in translation. It also motivated me to practice translation more and more with confidence."   "University life is experiences, and this competition is a beneficial experience that hones our performance in translation. Indeed, it’s closer to motivation than to competition," said Waad Al-Manea.   TU would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to all participants in the translation competition titled "The Translator of the Nation." TU is pleased to announce the winners as follows: 1st place (500 SR): Abdulaziz Alalawi/MA Translation 2nd place (400 SR): Abeer Alasmari/MA Translation 3rd place (300 SR): Jamilah Sanagul/MA Translation 4th place (200 SR): Waad Al-Manea/MA Translation 5th place (shared) (100 SR each): Nujud Aseeri & Asma Alfuraih/both MA Translation   The award ceremony took place in a wonderful event organized by the Guidance and Counselling Unit and English Club at the Faculty of Languages and Translation on Tuesday, 22 March 2022. The winners were awarded cash prizes and certificates of appreciation. As a token of appreciation, all participants were awarded certificates of appreciation, thus motivating them to develop their talents & skills in translation.   Our heartfelt congratulations to the winners and participants on their outstanding achievements. Date: 3/24/2022 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
  Ms. Anjum Mishu presented a paper titled "How to conduct a student-centered class?" at a webinar organized by the Training and Staff Member Development Unit of the Science & Arts College in Rijal Alma on 8 March 2022. She highlighted the concept, issues, strategies, and challenges regarding student-centered classrooms.   Ms. Anjum stressed that although numerous faculty members use student-centered learning/collaborative learning models, many instructors are concerned that giving up control in the classroom means compromising the educational experience. Empowering students, however, requires more of the instructor than just relinquishing the role of lecturer. In her presentation, she offered a set of frameworks to help faculty members create a semiautonomous classroom and, at the same time, protect against the loss of quality control.   She also added a lesson plan based on the student-centered classroom concept. Date: 3/20/2022 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
شارك فريق كلية اللغات والترجمة لكرة القدم في بطولة الاولمبياد الثامن على مستوى جامعة الملك خالد وكان ذلك في تاريخ ١٩-٧-١٤٤٣،ولعب اولى مبارياته امام كلية العلوم الطبية بأبها وانتهت بفوز نادي كلية اللغات والترجمة بنتيجة خمسة اهداف لصفر ليتاهل لدور السادس عشر  لهذه البطولة. وفي دوري السادس عشر  واجهت كلية اللغات والترجمة كلية الحاسب الآلي وتمكنت كلية اللغات والترجمة بالفوز مقابل اربعة اهداف لثلاثه ليتأهل الفريق الى دور الثامن . وفي دوري الثامن قابلت كلية اللغات والترجمة أشد منافسيها وهو بطل دوري  كرة قدم الصالات (كلية العلوم الانسانية )وتمكنت كلية اللغات والترجمة من تحقيق فوز صعب بنتيجة اثنان  مقابل واحد مما ليتأهل الفريق لدوري نصف النهائي. في دوري نصف النهائي خسرت كلية اللغات والترجمة بضربات الترجيح امام كلية العلوم والاداب بمحايل مما ادى لخروج فريق كلية اللغات والترجمة من المنافسة. وفي مباراة تحديد المركز الثالث لهذه البطولة، خسرت كلية اللغات والترجمة أمام كلية الهندسة،وهنا تنتهي رحلة ابطال فريق كلية اللغات والترجمة في هذه البطولة بانجاز المركز الرابع،واصبح فريق كلية اللغات والترجمة من اقوى أربع فرق على مستوى الجامعة في كرة القدم لهذه السنة وهو انجاز جيد قام به ابطال الكلية وبقيادة لاعبهم النجم ابراهيم المالكي وزملائه. Date: 3/10/2022 Source: Tamim Alqtherda, English Club Member 
  On March 2, 2022, the Scientific Research Unit organized a virtual roundtable discussion about translation.   The discussion started by highlighting the significance of translation and translation studies as a field that deals with theory, description, and application of translation. The moderator of the discussion, Dr. Amal Metwally, introduced the field as an interlingual transfer and as intercultural communication. She further pointed out that translation studies can also be described as an interdiscipline, which touches on other diverse fields of knowledge, including cultural studies, comparative literature, linguistics, semiotics, rhetoric, technology in translation, and many other fields.   The moderator then introduced the speakers who are lecturers and promising researchers who achieved great success and accomplished their MA in translation in prominent universities during their scholarships.   Ms. Asma Alahmari, a lecturer at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, talked about her research in translation and her dissertation entitled "Comprehensive Text Analysis of the Arabic Translation of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho". She discussed the discipline of translation versus the professional practice of translation. Ms. Alahmari also referred to the significant methods to measure the quality of translation and raised a question about "the voice of the translator". She also highlighted some examples from her own experience as an MA student and researcher at the University of Birmingham from 2019 to 2020.   The second speaker is Ms. Raghad Alqahtani, a lecturer at the College of Science and Arts, Ahad Rufaidah. Ms. Alqahtani also got her MA in Translation Studies from the University of Birmingham in 2019 and 2020. Her MA thesis is entitled “An investigation into Translation Studies Curricula at Postgraduate Level in Terms of Students’ Needs Market Demand: The Case of Saudi Arabia’s KKU and KSU”. In her research, she examined the status of translator training in Saudi Arabia by choosing two translation postgraduate programs (i.e., KKU & KSU). She asserted that the results of her study showed that the two programs were compatible with some observations. The study indicated that the majority of the students expressed a level of satisfaction with the programs as a whole. She added that students’ satisfaction was coupled with some comments indicating that curricula developers must consider some improvements. When asked about translation and technology, she confirmed that according to her study, students’ responses to translation technologies express a severe weakness in its integration in translator training programs.   Then the discussion went to the third speaker, Ms. Rafif Najmi, a lecturer at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, who got her MA in translation from the University of Leeds. In answering the question, "Why did you go for a project and not a dissertation?" Ms. Rafif indicated that it was one of "the toughest decisions", as she said. She clarified that many universities in the UK that have translation programs provide the options of either a dissertation or a translation project. She stated that she thought about focusing entirely on the project because it is more connected with the field of translation and as a future Ph.D. candidate. She needed to experience the practical side of translation before exploring its theoretical part. She also added that choosing a project won’t affect the Ph.D. approval. A lot of the students back then who went for the project are now Ph.D. students, and that didn’t stop them.   The interesting discussion guided the moderator to ask her about her project topic. Ms. Rafif Najmi indicated that her project involves a long annotated translation. She has to choose a book that has never been translated before and translate 8 to 10 words of the book. Her choice was "Master Your Emotions: The New 5-Step System to End Anxiety, Defuse Anger and Defeat Depression & Negative Thinking". She pointed out that after translation, an introduction that must involve an overview of the book, author and publisher, source text analysis, text genre, type, and function, register, the rationale (i.e., why have you chosen that book in particular), target readership, strategic approach, and a commentary should be written.   Ms. Najmi also referred to many challenges she faced while working on her project, including literary and psychological aspects of the source text genre, the issue of equivalence, religious and ideological backgrounds of TL readership, the cultural differences between cultures, and the view of the ST through the eyes of the TL readers. Another issue was the rendering of idiomatic expressions that are abundantly dispersed around books of this genre.   The discussion, which was mainly designed for translation students, was also attended by staff members who are interested in translation and translation studies. To view the speaker lineup, please click here.   The moderator of the discussion got positive feedback from many students on the roundtable discussion. Some of these views are included here:   "It was a wonderful discussion. It was a supportive discussion that helps us to continue our study in translation and take it as our aim. I think we need more discussions like this to take our plans and chance in a great way". – Khairiya Abdullah Ali   "Ms. Asma Alahmari, Ms. Rafif Najmi, and Ms. Raghad Alqahtani spoke about their experiences and their plans. They talked about some of the difficulties they faced and how they dealt with them. It was a good discussion and helps us so much". – Manar Ayied   "It was a very helpful discussion for us as students of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, and I hope it will be repeated many times with different members". – Shaima Abdullah   "It was such a great discussion which helped me understand more things about what I should do with my journey in translation after graduation. I really appreciate that such discussion took place and was very thankful for Dr. Asmaa, Dr. Rafif & Dr. Raghad’s answers, and Dr. Amal’s questions and lovely presenting. I would love to attend more of these discussions" – Rahaf Mukhtar Date: 3/10/2022 Source: Dr. Amal Mewally, Head of Scientific Research Unit - Women's Section
  Ms. Sharmin Siddiqui presented a paper titled "Enhancing Communicative Competence in English: Some Needs to Be Addressed" at a webinar organized by the Language Research Center on March 02, 2022. She highlighted the notion, components, strategies, and issues related to communicative competence.   The presenter referenced different scholarly views (Widowson, Brown, etc.) on communicative competence. Based on the scholarly opinions, she explained the fact that proper knowledge of a language is beyond the learners' ability to understand, read, write and speak. The proper competence is not fulfilled unless the learners' knowledge has its communicative effect. She also emphasized the real-world application of the target language, which is something closely associated with communicative competence. She added the intriguing phenomenon that communicative competence among students in a foreign or second language is more complex than we like to think.   Siddiqui highlighted the controversy over the notion of communicative competence mentioning the fact that Chomsky was the first proponent to distinguish between the lexical items – performance and competence. Chomsky, she added, clearly termed the former as the knowledge of various grammatical rules and the latter as successful communication. Hymes added socio-cultural factors to this concept, said Siddiqui.   Siddiqui explained in detail the four components of communicative competence (Sauvignon 1997) – discourse competence, strategic competence, grammatical competence, and sociolinguistic competence. These four can be the basis for curriculum design as well as classroom practice. There is a need for special hours to provide students with facilities and guidance for their proper improvement.   When it comes to issues associated with communicative competence, she added lack of linguistic and background knowledge, inability to organize ideas and express oneself, foreign language inhibition and anxiety, shyness, interlanguage errors, overgeneralization, excessive use of the native tongue, and limited teaching time are some of the main problems impeding the development of communicative competency among English language learners.   Siddiqui concluded that having the proper communication skills would equip learners with confidence and the ability to express themselves effectively. Constant and systematic research is needed to understand how to help students achieve communicative competence fully.   The webinar was very interactive and a great success with both male and female faculty members' active participation. Date: 3/5/2022 Source: Mohammad Adil Siddique