King Khalid University

On 9/26/16 the Faculty of Languages and Translation continued the celebrations of Saudi National Day through various events. The student body was well represented with both native and non-native students enjoying the event. The English club alongside Administrative Manager Muhammad Qiyas and the Media and Events Committee made a strong presence by being involved in the event and contributing to the festive atmosphere. The celebration was led by Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al Melhi, and Vice Dean, Dr. Ali Alamir, who congratulated both students and faculty members for taking part in the festivities. Chairmen, Dr. Mutab Al Garni, and Dr. Khalid Abu Melha attended the event and encouraged all those around to reflect and enjoy. The entire faculty would like to congratulate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on this occasion. Furthermore, the faculty would like to extend its deep appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their leadership. Date: 9/26/2016 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Contribution: MD Sirajul Islam

The Faculty of Languages and Translation forges partnerships with outstanding academic institutions across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in order to expand the student experience, and enhance faculty growth and the impact of our research. During the week of August 28th, the Faculty of Languages and Translation collaborated with the Abha College of Technology to hold a week-long teacher training workshop on English for Professional Purposes (EPP). Chaired and led by the Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, from King Khalid University, the workshop was enthusiastically received by the instructors from the English Language Center of the Abha College of Technology (ELC). The Chairman of the ELC, Dr. Ahmed Najji expressed his deep appreciation for the new techniques and insights which were presented to the participants. It is worth noting that a member of the Shura Council, Dr. Muhammad Naji, was present for the final day of activities. Over the course of the workshop the following topics were covered by Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al Melhi, and Language Instructor, Hassan Costello: • Applied Linguistic Theories and Practical Applications • Reading and Literacy Teaching Methods • Web 2.0 Tools and Computer Assisted Language Learning • Developing an Essential Skill Set for Effective Multilevel Instruction • Presentation, Practice, and Production Techniques in EFL Teaching • Innovative Speech, Pronunciation, and Listening Teaching Methods • Nonnative English Speakers in TESOL (NNEST) Overview Date: 9/2/2016 Primary Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation  

Dr. Fahad Otaif, Vice Dean of Academic Development and Quality, presented his paper at a seminar organized by the Language Research Center of King Khalid University held on February 15, 2016. His presentation was titled Metaphorical Framing of Media Discourse and the Representation of the Other: A Corpus-based Critical Discourse Analysis of Metaphors in the Press Discourse.  He states in his abstract,  “This paper addresses the metaphorical framing of a particular news event in media discourse, i.e. the British press and BBC news website, and how it contributes to the overall lexical and intertextual cohesion of a discourse topic as well as the representation of the other.” (Otaif, F. 2016) He primarily highlighted Media Discourse in which he showed how metaphors play a significant role in media discourse. He pinpointed the fact that metaphors have long been undermined or neglected in the field of discourse analysis. He particularly pointed out the lack of investigation into the use of metaphors in discourse as a form of cross-cultural communication that represents social minorities in Britain.  During his presentation, he talked about an interesting phenomenon in discourse–intertextuality. Dr. Otaif, while explaining intertextuality in discourse, showed how metaphors could limit understanding and perception. Dr. Otaif, while explaining intertextuality in discourse, demonstrated how metaphors could limit understanding and perception.       The seminar was very informative, interactive and overall successful. Date: 2/15/2016 Source: MD Adil Multimedia Contribution: MD Sirajul Islam

On January 26-27, 2016, four members of the Faculty of Languages and Translation traveled to the city of Tharban, Al Majardah Province, to conduct an exciting and motivationally based English language seminar to teachers of the Mohaiyl region.  On the first day, Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al Melhi made a presentation on, The Schema Theory of Reading.  He talked about the three different models of reading and how they apply to current school curricula. Dr. Eyhab A. Bader Eddin followed him. Dr. Eyhab talked about Mother Tongue Influence on  Second Language Acquisition and Use. It revolved around the influence of L1 structures on L2 in the process of acquiring L2 (both positive and negative transfer). On the second day, Mr. Faruk Haji and Mr. Matthew Paul attended the event. Mr. Faruk discussed the Use of Social Media in the Classroom.  He described how to set up a Facebook account geared toward classroom use which included homework and testing. Matthew followed him and talked about Using Popular Video Games to Motivate Students to Learn English.  His talk used the game "Minecraft" as an example of a popular video game that teachers could reference to make English study more "interesting" to students.  All sessions were followed by a question and answer period.  Overall, it was an incredible experience for the participants and a great chance to share expertise with local teachers. Date: 1/27/2016 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

On Monday, April 13, 2015, the Faculty of Languages and Translation at King Khalid University had the honor of hosting a distinguished delegation from the University of Malta. This illustrious visit was marked by interactions between the Maltese dignitaries and notable figures from King Khalid University including Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, Dean, Dr. Ahmed Ismail Assiri, Vice Dean, Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al Qahtani, Vice Dean of Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Ali Alamir, Chair of the English Department, and Dr. Ahmed Al Faifi, Chair of the MA in Translation Program. Together, they embarked on an insightful tour of various academic facilities. These included the advanced FLT Listening Labs, the dedicated FLT Language Enhancement Program, and the innovative hub at the Deanship of E-Learning. The tour provided a platform for showcasing the high standard of educational resources and commitment to quality learning at King Khalid University. Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi voiced his earnest intention to cultivate a fruitful relationship between King Khalid University and the University of Malta that would benefit both institutions. This sentiment was warmly reciprocated by Professor Juanito Camilleri, Rector of the University of Malta, who emphasized the University's eagerness to build robust ties with King Khalid University across all areas of academia. Furthermore, the visiting delegation from the University of Malta showcased a series of presentations elucidating the wide spectrum of services, capabilities, and achievements that their University boasts. The audience consisted of faculty members from both the male and female campuses at King Khalid University, as well as students from varying academic levels. The event was broadened through a live telecast that allowed numerous satellite campuses of King Khalid University to participate actively. The visit concluded with the Maltese delegation expressing gratitude for the hospitality they received and reinforcing their belief that this visit has laid a strong foundation for a deepening relationship between the University of Malta and King Khalid University. Date: 04/14/2015 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Contribution: MD Sirajul Islam

Abdullah Omar, FLT graduate, and an ongoing student in the MA program in Applied Linguistics was recently awarded a Certificate of excellent achievement in English and First Class Honors. Abdullah received the Certificate during a University ceremony that honored students from the many different fields of academic specialization in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. The Certificate was presented to Abdullah by His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Faisal Bin Khalid Bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Asir Region. Abdullah had the exclusive chance of meeting HRH, and receiving congratulations for his academic achievement. He also had the honor of receiving congratulations from the President of the University, Professor Abdulrahman Bin Hamad Al Dawood. Abdullah expressed gratitude to all of his teachers and friends, and especially to his mother, for their constant support and encouragement. He wished the best of luck to all students in the English Department, reminding them of how steady, focused work and commitment are the keys to achieving their goals. Date: Spring 2015 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation