English Club Hosts Social Gathering

 

The English Club recently sponsored a social gathering at the Al-Lasan Campus which was open to all students and faculty members. Student activities director Faisal Alfadhil explained that he planned the gathering to serve a variety of important purposes. First, the event was to strengthen the relationships between students and faculty members. Also, the gathering helped further develop positive relationships among the students, and encourage their participation in future departmental and university-wide activities. Third, the event provided students in the department an opportunity to practice English. 'It is beneficial for language learners to practice the target language in a natural, informal setting' said Director Alfadhil. Finally, the festivities allowed the students time to unwind after the mid-term exam period, and gave them a chance to have some collegial fun.

 

The evening was busy with many activities. First, there was a series of 5-on-5 football matches. After each match, the prevailing team retained the field to face a new challenger. The football competitions were friendly, but fierce. Every team performed well, and each player exhibited gentlemanly sportsmanship. After a short rest period, everyone prayed en masse.

 

Next, the Spelling Bee competition commenced to the great excitement of the participants and the audience. Seasoned teacher and word-master Hassan Costello directed the Spelling Bee, assisted by Director Alfadhil keeping score, and English Club President, Abdulaziz Dahlan, monitoring the timer. After several rounds of excellent performance, the first-place finish came down to a ‘sudden death spell-off’ between senior students Fawaz Al-Qahatani and Saud Al-Shahrani. Many of the words used in the competition contained reverse ordered, double vowels which are notoriously difficult to spell even for native English speakers.

 

After a lively exchange of spelling efforts, Fawaz ultimately prevailed taking first prize with Saud as a most worthy runner up. Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Yahya Asiri, presented the Spelling Bee awards. The top finishers received 100 SAR and 50 SAR Jarir Bookstore gift certificates for first and second place respectively. Many of the students who watched the competition expressed interest in participating in future spelling bees.

 

After the Spelling Bee, the department hosted an open forum discussion. All students and faculty members were allowed and encouraged to raise issues about the FLT department operations. Everyone was free to discuss issues, problems, suggested improvements and the like. The purpose of the form was to get honest feedback from stakeholders. This is an essential component of the FLT's commitment to continuous improvement. Among the topics discussed was the need for greater informal student-teacher engagement. The consensus was that additional social gatherings would greatly help to advance the goal of reinforcing relationships.

 

Vice Dean Asiri, Chairman, Dr. Munassir Alhamami, Academic Development Unit Head, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, Academic Guidance and Counseling Unit Head, Dr. Dawood Mahdi, and Dr. Saeed Al-Surf all spoke to the students. While their remarks varied, the theme was the same. The faculty and staff are there to help the students succeed in their academic and subsequent careers. In his address to the students, Vice Dean Asiri eloquently summarized the faculty adjurations in saying:

 

'Educating the next generation of leaders is a critical duty. Helping all of you become consummate professionals and upstanding citizens is our mission. Our nation’s future depends upon your drive, abilities, and integrity. The college experience involves many challenges, hardships, and frustrations. We encourage you to embrace every difficulty as an essential part of learning and a building block for your ultimate success'.

 

The faculty expressed optimism about student attitudes towards education and their apparent eagerness to make the most of their time at the university.

 

After prayer, the attendees enjoyed a delicious meal. The dinner conversation was lively and convivial. The discussions continued well into the evening, and a fine time was had by all. This social gathering is indicative of FLT's commitment to the students and higher education.

Date: 3/9/2019

Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

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Faculty of Languages and Translation
English Club
Student Activities

Mastering the Interview: A Webinar on Effective Job Interview Preparation

The Alumni Unit, in collaboration with the Counselling and Guidance Unit at the College of Languages and Translation, King Khalid University, hosted a webinar titled "Getting Ready for Job Interviews" on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The event, presented by Mr. Javed Ahmed, Campus Coordinator at the English Language Centre, was attended by approximately 40 active participants. The session commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan, Supervisor of the Alumni Unit. He touched on the common mix of anticipation and nervousness that candidates often feel when preparing for job interviews. Mr. Khan emphasized that the webinar aimed to offer comprehensive insights into effective interview preparation, guiding attendees through the nuances of presenting themselves confidently to potential employers. Mr. Javed Ahmed, the presenter of the webinar, then proceeded to delve into the presentation, focusing on the essential steps, components, and tips for navigating interviews successfully. He emphasized the significance of dedicating time to crafting a customized resume, cover letter, and conducting thorough company research. These preparations are essential as they culminate in the interviews—an opportunity to showcase one's skills and suitability for the role. Among various considerations, including attire and handling tough questions, Mr. Javed outlined strategies to distinguish oneself from other candidates. The presenter outlined several potential steps to secure a desired position, emphasizing thorough preparation beforehand. This entails researching the interviewing company’s industry, products, mission, and recent developments to demonstrate genuine interest. Additionally, aligning one’s skills and experiences with the job requirements and preparing to discuss relevant examples from past roles is crucial. Dressing slightly more formally, arriving early, and maintaining professionalism throughout the interview process were also recommended. During the 'Question-Answer Session', while replying to a question raised by Mr. Faisal Syed, a student attendee, about the secrets to success in an interview and countering challenges during the interview, Mr. Javed emphasized the significance of highlighting relevant strengths, addressing weaknesses in an honest and straightforward way, and viewing them as opportunities for growth. While responding to a query from Mr. Abdulrahman Ali, another student participating in the webinar, who sought advice on crafting an effective and impressive resume, the presenter emphasized the importance of including clear sections for skills, experiences, strengths, and contact information. While addressing the issue of 'nervousness' during interviews, raised by a student participant of the webinar, Mr. Ma’an Abdulrahman, who was seeking 'coping strategies' for the issue, Mr. Javed Ahmed recommended the 'STOP' method—a mental technique involving pausing, deep breathing, observing thoughts and emotions, and proceeding with intention to be applied by the candidate. Dr. Nisar Ahmad Koka, a faculty member who participated in the webinar, commended the presenter for his exemplary efforts in addressing the participants' questions and queries satisfactorily. Dr. Koka expressed a desire for the regular organization of similar webinars, believing they would effectively tackle the critical issues faced by fresh candidates during job interviews. The webinar concluded with a commitment from the organizers to future 'engaging activities' that are specifically designed to encourage participants to both realize and reach their full potential. Date: 4/29/2024 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

Fostering Fluency and Confidence: Highlights from the IELTS Speaking Competition Event

On Tuesday, 18th Rajab 1445 AH, at 9:00 AM, the College of Languages and Translation Club, in partnership with the Deanship of Student Affairs for female students, hosted the "IELTS Speaking Competition" in the college theater. Approximately fifty female students attended, with an additional fifteen participating in the competition. Due to the participants' enthusiasm and engagement, the event extended beyond its planned conclusion at 11:00 AM, concluding instead at 12:00 PM. The session commenced with a faculty member delivering a presentation on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), focusing specifically on its components and the speaking segment. She detailed the evaluation criteria, including fluency, coherence, grammatical accuracy, lexical diversity, and pronunciation. The competition's format was explained, mirroring the actual IELTS test's structure in three stages: personal introduction and general questions, speaking on a selected topic using cards for preparation, and a question-answer session on the speech topic. The competition was marked by a high level of intensity, with the participants impressing the judges with their linguistic proficiency and fluency. The competition's quality made it challenging to determine the top positions. To honor the participants' exceptional skills, the top six performers were acknowledged. Honorary certificates were awarded following the announcement of the top three winners: Lina Ali Al-Qarni secured first place, Lama Fahd Al-Qahtani second, and Atheer Al-Shehri third. The event concluded with a promise to the female students of future activities that are engaging, diverse, and designed to help them reach their full potential. Date: 1/30/2024 Source Faculty of Languages and Translation

Master of Translation Students Simultaneously Interpret the Initiative "Verify", Launched by His Royal Highness, Prince Turki Bin Talal, Prince of Asir Region

طلاب وطالبات ماجستير الترجمة يحتفون بمبادرة سمو أمير منطقة عسير الأمير تركي بن طلال "فتبينوا" Students from the Master of Translation program at King Khalid University recently undertook a significant task by providing simultaneous interpretation for an awareness-raising initiative led by His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of the Asir Region. This initiative, critical in its aim, seeks to educate the public about the serious consequences of false accusations. Through their skillful interpretation, the students effectively communicated the initiative's message, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue of unfounded complaints and their potential negative impacts. Demonstrating their translation proficiency, these students adeptly conveyed the initiative's message in real-time. Notably, five students – Mr. Ibrahim Almalki (click to view), Ms. Ibtisam Alharthi (click to view), Ms. Mashael Alqahtani (click to view), Ms. Rahaf Alshahrani (click to view), and Ms. Fatima Alshehri (click to view) – showcased exceptional linguistic and interpretive skills. Each link provides a glimpse into their skilled interpretation, further highlighting their contributions to this significant initiative. The initiative draws inspiration from a verse in Surat Al-Hujurat (49:6) of the Quran, which stresses the need for meticulous verification when receiving news or information. This verse instructs believers to ensure the accuracy of news to avoid the repercussions of acting on erroneous or misleading information. By referencing this verse, the initiative emphasizes the importance of careful discernment and critical thinking, advocating for individuals to avoid precipitous judgments and seek truth through thorough inquiry. This aligns with the Quranic principle of avoiding harm caused by ignorance, thereby highlighting the value of responsible communication and thoughtful decision-making. The initiative's emphasis on accountability and understanding echoes the enduring wisdom of the Quran, underlining its continued relevance in modern contexts. Moreover, it underscores the critical issue of the harm caused by unfounded complaints, advocating for accountability and conscientious communication. The Master of Translation students, by effectively conveying the core message of this initiative, played a key role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and effective communication. The successful simultaneous interpretation of the initiative by the Master of Translation students at King Khalid University not only showcased their expertise but also illuminated the crucial role played by translators, interpreters, and language professionals in bridging communication gaps. Their ability to accurately and effectively convey complex messages underscores the importance of their skills in a world where clear and precise communication is essential. Date: 1/31/2024 Source: Translation Unit

Reimagining Grammar Teaching: Insights and Innovations from CLT's Interactive Workshop

The College of Languages and Translation (CLT) hosted a workshop entitled "A Practical Approach to Teaching Grammar" on January 24, 2024, presented by Mr. Mohammad Adil. Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan moderated the session. The workshop focused on challenging traditional methods in teaching grammar, with an aim to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of grammar instruction. Mohammad Adil initiated the session with a warm-up activity, involving four lecture extracts for participants to review and select the most effective teacher. This exercise effectively engaged the attendees, fostering a discussion of insightful ideas. The trainer highlighted the importance of meaningful interaction in grammar teaching, rather than solely focusing on explaining rules and structures. He suggested that teachers could create brief supplementary tasks that align with the course plan, aiming to reduce students' apprehension and confusion regarding grammatical rules. To demonstrate this approach, he provided examples of teaching grammar effectively and meaningfully. Additionally, he presented some lesson plan ideas for grammar instruction, developed by International House Sydney. The trainer concluded by recommending several books that could enhance a grammar teacher's lessons. He emphasized that engaging learners, simplifying explanations, and employing diverse methods and techniques are key to making grammar lessons both meaningful and effective. The workshop was characterized by its effectiveness and interactivity, marking it as a significant success.

CLT Women's Club at King Khalid University: Leading with Multifaceted Initiatives

In a commendable feat, the Women's Club of the College of Languages and Translation (CLT) at King Khalid University has emerged at the forefront among 27 clubs, securing the top spot in the first semester of the 2023–1445 academic year. This accolade is a reflection of the club's unwavering commitment to a rich tapestry of activities that span across cultural, social, athletic, and personal development spheres, as well as volunteering and health initiatives. At the heart of their cultural contributions was the "KKU Cultural Olympics," a vibrant event that showcased student talents in the arts, including art, photography, speech, poetry, and the memorization of the Quran and Hadiths. The club didn't just stop at cultural pursuits; it also ventured into the realm of physical wellness with "Sport Benefits for The Mind & Body." Held at the Abha sports facility, this program combined sports competitions with nutritional education, emphasizing the holistic benefits of physical activity. Expanding their educational impact, the club organized an insightful seminar, "My Experience as a Student with Scholarship Overseas." Here, faculty and students shared valuable experiences and advice about navigating scholarships, adapting to life abroad, and achieving academic success. In a creative twist, the club launched the "Translation Challenge," a dynamic and competitive program designed to sharpen real-time translation skills, fostering a spirit of enthusiasm and competition among the students. The club also made its mark in the arts, presenting Shakespeare's "Macbeth," which served as an excellent platform for students to enhance their language skills and artistic expression. In a noble collaboration with the Zahra Breast Cancer Association, they organized the "Pink Walk," an initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting early detection of breast cancer. Their social outreach included a visit to the Al-Wedad Charity Association in Abha, where club members gained insights into the association's sponsorship processes and methods of providing social support. In summary, the Women's Club of the College of Languages and Translation at King Khalid University has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation, earning the top ranking among 27 clubs. Their diverse initiatives, ranging from cultural events and athletic programs to academic seminars and health awareness campaigns, highlight their dedication to comprehensive student development. This achievement not only reflects the club's commitment to excellence but also sets a high standard for student-led organizations, underscoring their significant impact within the university community.