English Club

  On Wednesday, the English Club held its 4th lecture of the Spring semester. The guest speaker was Faculty of Languages and Translation Asst. Professor Dawood Mahdi. Dr. Mahdi is also the Head of the Academic Guidance and Counseling Unit. The subject of the well-attended event was the art and science of translation.   First, Dr. Mahdi explained many of the misconceptions about the disciplines of translation and interpreting languages. He noted that many people believe that translation is merely converting individual words from one language to another. 'Languages have diverse structures and conventions. Interchanging literal meanings of words between languages is not a method for effective communication' said Dr. Mahdi. He further noted that languages are rich in idioms, metaphors, and figures of speech. In these cases, literal translations simply do not work. Similarly, in many languages, individual words have multiple meanings. Therefore, rudimentary translation will often be in error.   Dr. Mahdi also reviewed some less common misconceptions about translation and interpreting. Some people believe that any bi-lingual person can translate/interpret the two languages. Dr. Mahdi explained that translation is a specialized discipline that requires advanced training and practice. He also explained that there are sub-specialties even for those who are skilled general translators. For example, translating in the fields of law, medicine, engineering, etc. require specialized knowledge of those fields. Another misconception is that translating and interpreting are the same. Dr. Mahdi noted that interpreting requires the language specialist to work in real time, which is extremely difficult even for those fluent in the languages. Finally, he noted that some people erroneously believe that translators do not need dictionaries or other reference material. 'Reference materials are the tools of the trade for professional translators' said Dr. Mahdi.   Later in the program, Dr. Mahdi told the students that which is required to be a successful translator/interpreter. 'First and foremost one needs to be fully committed to the target languages' he said. Translation also requires intensive training and many hours of consistently practicing the craft. Dr. Mahdi also stressed that translators must be scrupulously committed to accuracy and approach the profession with honesty and integrity.   In response to a question by a Level 1 student, Dr. Mahdi discussed the FLT general course progression. He explained that our BA program focuses on the major skills in the first 4 levels, then moves to three fields; namely, Linguistics & Applied Linguistics, Literature and Translation.   The attendees thanked Dr. Mahdi for his enlightening and informative presentation. Date: 2/26/2019 Source: Dr. Charles Forman

  On Wednesday, the English Club held its 4th lecture of the Spring semester. The guest speaker was Faculty of Languages and Translation Asst. Professor Dawood Mahdi. Dr. Mahdi is also the Head of the Academic Guidance and Counseling Unit. The subject of the well-attended event was the art and science of translation.   First, Dr. Mahdi explained many of the misconceptions about the disciplines of translation and interpreting languages. He noted that many people believe that translation is merely converting individual words from one language to another. 'Languages have diverse structures and conventions. Interchanging literal meanings of words between languages is not a method for effective communication' said Dr. Mahdi. He further noted that languages are rich in idioms, metaphors, and figures of speech. In these cases, literal translations simply do not work. Similarly, in many languages, individual words have multiple meanings. Therefore, rudimentary translation will often be in error.   Dr. Mahdi also reviewed some less common misconceptions about translation and interpreting. Some people believe that any bi-lingual person can translate/interpret the two languages. Dr. Mahdi explained that translation is a specialized discipline that requires advanced training and practice. He also explained that there are sub-specialties even for those who are skilled general translators. For example, translating in the fields of law, medicine, engineering, etc. require specialized knowledge of those fields. Another misconception is that translating and interpreting are the same. Dr. Mahdi noted that interpreting requires the language specialist to work in real time, which is extremely difficult even for those fluent in the languages. Finally, he noted that some people erroneously believe that translators do not need dictionaries or other reference material. 'Reference materials are the tools of the trade for professional translators' said Dr. Mahdi.   Later in the program, Dr. Mahdi told the students that which is required to be a successful translator/interpreter. 'First and foremost one needs to be fully committed to the target languages' he said. Translation also requires intensive training and many hours of consistently practicing the craft. Dr. Mahdi also stressed that translators must be scrupulously committed to accuracy and approach the profession with honesty and integrity.   In response to a question by a Level 1 student, Dr. Mahdi discussed the FLT general course progression. He explained that our BA program focuses on the major skills in the first 4 levels, then moves to three fields; namely, Linguistics & Applied Linguistics, Literature and Translation.   The attendees thanked Dr. Mahdi for his enlightening and informative presentation. Date: 2/26/2019 Source: Dr. Charles Forman

  On the 19th of February, the English Club conducted another student workshop. The guest speaker was Mohammed Al Fuad. The topic was 'Becoming an Exceptional Student'. At the outset, Mr. Fuad told the students that they are all so fortunate for their opportunity to study at King Khalid University. He encouraged students to go after their dreams. Mr. Fuad reminded the students to see opportunities in setbacks and to follow their own path to success.   Mr. Fuad then said that the title 'Student' is in no way trivial. Everybody in attendance agreed that being a student is difficult. Burdensome course loads, complex material and never-ending exams challenge each pupil. Mr. Fuad noted that being a serious student requires hard work and dedication. He explained that consistency is key. 'Good habits make for good students. Plan your work and study times, and then stick to those plans' he stated.   The faculty are there to both teach and guide the students towards academic and career success. However, each student is responsible for his own path and the consequences of his actions. 'The teacher will help navigate, but the student is the driver' he noted. In sum, each student is ultimately the master of his own education.   Mr. Fuad asked the participants to serve as role models. Not every student is well motivated and dedicated to academic success. Mr. Fuad told the group 'It is your duty to try and help those students who suffer a motivational deficit. Do whatever you can to help them see the light'. He further explained that a successful academic career will help make them successful men'. Finally, Mr. Fuad gave examples of past university students who overcame adversities and succeeded in school and in their careers. Date: 2/19/2019 Source: Dr. Charles Forman

  On the 19th of February, the English Club conducted another student workshop. The guest speaker was Mohammed Al Fuad. The topic was 'Becoming an Exceptional Student'. At the outset, Mr. Fuad told the students that they are all so fortunate for their opportunity to study at King Khalid University. He encouraged students to go after their dreams. Mr. Fuad reminded the students to see opportunities in setbacks and to follow their own path to success.   Mr. Fuad then said that the title 'Student' is in no way trivial. Everybody in attendance agreed that being a student is difficult. Burdensome course loads, complex material and never-ending exams challenge each pupil. Mr. Fuad noted that being a serious student requires hard work and dedication. He explained that consistency is key. 'Good habits make for good students. Plan your work and study times, and then stick to those plans' he stated.   The faculty are there to both teach and guide the students towards academic and career success. However, each student is responsible for his own path and the consequences of his actions. 'The teacher will help navigate, but the student is the driver' he noted. In sum, each student is ultimately the master of his own education.   Mr. Fuad asked the participants to serve as role models. Not every student is well motivated and dedicated to academic success. Mr. Fuad told the group 'It is your duty to try and help those students who suffer a motivational deficit. Do whatever you can to help them see the light'. He further explained that a successful academic career will help make them successful men'. Finally, Mr. Fuad gave examples of past university students who overcame adversities and succeeded in school and in their careers. Date: 2/19/2019 Source: Dr. Charles Forman

  On February 12th, there was a gathering of the English Club in the Language Enhancement Program (LEP) room at the main campus. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct another installment of 'Linguistics Hour'. The English Club Linguistics Hour is a continuing project to identify issues in English language learning, discuss methods for improving English language education, and to identify practical applications for the usage of English in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.   The speaker at the event was Faculty of Languages & Translation lecturer Faisal Alfadhil. Mr. Alfadhil has a close connection with the students in the department. After earning his master's degree at Florida Atlantic University, Mr. Alfadhil returned to the department as a lecturer and was recently appointed to the position of Director of Student Activities. Many of our students eagerly attended this presentation by our youthful, new colleague.   Director Alfadhil's presentation focused on writing systems. He began by exploring the historical origins and forms of written language in the context of an extension of spoken expression. He then reviewed the means by which orthography slowly developed over millennia and tracked these improvements through the modern era. He then explained how written language is one of humanity's most remarkable achievements, which has profoundly impacted almost every aspect of nearly every society on the planet. In the early days of human society, man was entirely dependent upon oral traditions. Written language allowed humans to create permanent records of useful information and sage advice for future generations. Historical, technical and philosophical information could be passed down without the inherent vagaries of centuries of oral storytelling. While early man's motivations to write are unclear, the importance of written language for society simply cannot be overstated.   Director Alfadhil then held a lively Q&A covering a variety of issues pertinent to writing and written language. Of particular interest was the discussion about 'Abjad' languages -- that is language containing only consonants and no vowels. Abjad languages (including Arabic) are very different from those that include vowels. Despite the fundamental difference, empirical evidence indicates that both types of languages are equally effective in all aspects of communication.    At the conclusion of Linguistics Hour, Director Alfadhil thanked all of the students and staff who participated. He further noted that 'Writing well will certainly help you succeed in your personal and professional endeavors. But also remember that writing is a precious gift from our ancestors. By writing you uphold a vital, centuries-old tradition of preserving records for those yet unborn'. Date: 2/12/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Source: Ayman Al-Faifi

  On February 12th, there was a gathering of the English Club in the Language Enhancement Program (LEP) room at the main campus. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct another installment of 'Linguistics Hour'. The English Club Linguistics Hour is a continuing project to identify issues in English language learning, discuss methods for improving English language education, and to identify practical applications for the usage of English in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.   The speaker at the event was Faculty of Languages & Translation lecturer Faisal Alfadhil. Mr. Alfadhil has a close connection with the students in the department. After earning his master's degree at Florida Atlantic University, Mr. Alfadhil returned to the department as a lecturer and was recently appointed to the position of Director of Student Activities. Many of our students eagerly attended this presentation by our youthful, new colleague.   Director Alfadhil's presentation focused on writing systems. He began by exploring the historical origins and forms of written language in the context of an extension of spoken expression. He then reviewed the means by which orthography slowly developed over millennia and tracked these improvements through the modern era. He then explained how written language is one of humanity's most remarkable achievements, which has profoundly impacted almost every aspect of nearly every society on the planet. In the early days of human society, man was entirely dependent upon oral traditions. Written language allowed humans to create permanent records of useful information and sage advice for future generations. Historical, technical and philosophical information could be passed down without the inherent vagaries of centuries of oral storytelling. While early man's motivations to write are unclear, the importance of written language for society simply cannot be overstated.   Director Alfadhil then held a lively Q&A covering a variety of issues pertinent to writing and written language. Of particular interest was the discussion about 'Abjad' languages -- that is language containing only consonants and no vowels. Abjad languages (including Arabic) are very different from those that include vowels. Despite the fundamental difference, empirical evidence indicates that both types of languages are equally effective in all aspects of communication.    At the conclusion of Linguistics Hour, Director Alfadhil thanked all of the students and staff who participated. He further noted that 'Writing well will certainly help you succeed in your personal and professional endeavors. But also remember that writing is a precious gift from our ancestors. By writing you uphold a vital, centuries-old tradition of preserving records for those yet unborn'. Date: 2/12/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Source: Ayman Al-Faifi

  On February 5th, there was a gathering of the English Club in the Language Enhancement Program (LEP) room at the main campus. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct another installment of 'Linguistics Hour'. The English Hour is a continuing project to identify issues in English language learning, discuss methods for improving English language education, and to identify practical applications for the usage of English in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.   The featured speaker at Linguistics Hour was Khalid Al-Qasemi, lecturer. Al-Qasemi recently earned his master’s degree in California, USA and is a recently promoted faculty member. He also served as the Director of Student Activities last semester. Given his educational background and close connection with the students, more than 30 attendees participated.   Al-Qasemi stressed the importance of good writing and reviewed the fundamentals of quality authorship. He covered the four basic requirements for proper writing: Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation. He also explained that writing is like construction. That is, one begins a building block at a time. 'Words become sentences. Sentences turn into paragraphs. Paragraphs eventually become essays, articles, or books. That is the ultimate strategy for the complete expression of ideas', he said.   At the conclusion of Linguistics Hour, Al-Qasemi thanked all of the students and staff who participated, urging all students to work diligently to improve their writing skills. 'Although writing is difficult, good writers are valued and respected in all professions. The best way to improve your writing is to practice, and it is worth all of the effort', he said. He then encouraged all students to return to the next Linguistics Hour. Date: 2/5/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Source: Abdulelah Dhafer (Level 1 Student) & Saad Al-Shahrani (Level 4 Student)

  On February 5th, there was a gathering of the English Club in the Language Enhancement Program (LEP) room at the main campus. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct another installment of 'Linguistics Hour'. The English Hour is a continuing project to identify issues in English language learning, discuss methods for improving English language education, and to identify practical applications for the usage of English in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.   The featured speaker at Linguistics Hour was Khalid Al-Qasemi, lecturer. Al-Qasemi recently earned his master’s degree in California, USA and is a recently promoted faculty member. He also served as the Director of Student Activities last semester. Given his educational background and close connection with the students, more than 30 attendees participated.   Al-Qasemi stressed the importance of good writing and reviewed the fundamentals of quality authorship. He covered the four basic requirements for proper writing: Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation. He also explained that writing is like construction. That is, one begins a building block at a time. 'Words become sentences. Sentences turn into paragraphs. Paragraphs eventually become essays, articles, or books. That is the ultimate strategy for the complete expression of ideas', he said.   At the conclusion of Linguistics Hour, Al-Qasemi thanked all of the students and staff who participated, urging all students to work diligently to improve their writing skills. 'Although writing is difficult, good writers are valued and respected in all professions. The best way to improve your writing is to practice, and it is worth all of the effort', he said. He then encouraged all students to return to the next Linguistics Hour. Date: 2/5/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Source: Abdulelah Dhafer (Level 1 Student) & Saad Al-Shahrani (Level 4 Student)

  On January 29, 2019, the Faculty of Languages & Translation (FLT) held a joint freshman orientation and departmental student awards ceremony. The event was hosted by English Club President, Abdulaziz Dahlan, supervised by Student Activities Director, Faisal Alfadhil, and led by the Dean of the Faculty of Languages & Translation, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi.   In recognition of the inaugural student activity programs, Dean Al-Melhi conducted a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. The purposes of the ceremony were to celebrate the improvements in student activities and emphasize their importance to the incoming freshmen.   One of the main objectives of the freshman orientation is to help new students make the transition from high school to college life. Dean Al-Melhi welcomed the students and expressed his excitement at seeing so many new faces. He then introduced several members of the faculty and staff, each of whom gave a brief explanation of how they can assist the students. Academic Counselor, Dr. Dawood Mahdi, then gave a short presentation about what the students can expect from their teachers and the administration. He also provided further information on how the faculty and staff can assist the students.   Dean Al-Melhi concluded the freshman orientation by saying 'You are all embarking upon a wonderful journey. Undoubtedly, each of you will have accomplishments and setbacks, joy and frustration. By the time you graduate, you will have learned so much about your major and about life. All of us here in the department hope that, years from now, you will remember your brief time at King Khalid University as one of the most valuable experiences in your life'.   Following the orientation, Dean Al-Melhi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Yahya Asiri, Chairman of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Munassir Alhamami, and Counselor Mahdi conducted the student awards portion of the program. This semester the FLT recognized the following students for achieving a grade point average at or above 4.75:   Mohammed Al-Buhairi Nasser Asiri Rayan Jabar Faisal Asiri Nasser Al-Shahrani Mohammed Al-Qahtani Fuad Fayad Hamad Ghannam Mohanad Mushabab Ahmed Ahmed Abdullah Nasser Abdulelah Hussein Turki Shamakh Abdulaziz Hussein Fares Shafi Khalid Hamza Ali Mohammed Asim Asiri Khalid Shehri Abdulrahman Ahmed Hussam Asiri Abdulaziz Hassan Mohanad Al-Dosari Ahmed Qadi Abdulelah Saad Mohammed Al-Shabi Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Dhafer Abdulmoshin Mohammed Hazza Salem Awadh Hassan Wael Ahmed Abdulrahman Asiri Musa Mohammed   After the awards ceremony, Registrar at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Nasser Hawamdeh, conducted a brief presentation concerning a variety of registration policies and procedures. He reviewed the methods by which students can register, change classes, and add/drop courses during the semester. This was important information as it covers frequently asked questions, especially among newer students.   Director Alfadhil then encouraged all of the students to participate in the English Club. The purpose of the extracurricular club is to help students improve their English skills and knowledge in an informal and collegial setting in which the focus is on teaching each other. 'The English Club can be a valuable and enjoyable means of improving your language skills while having fun. I encourage you to join the English Club at your earliest convenience', said Director Alfadhil.   At the end of the program, all of the participants enjoyed the refreshments. Students, both new and experienced, expressed their enthusiasm for their studies in the department. Date: 1/29/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On January 29, 2019, the Faculty of Languages & Translation (FLT) held a joint freshman orientation and departmental student awards ceremony. The event was hosted by English Club President, Abdulaziz Dahlan, supervised by Student Activities Director, Faisal Alfadhil, and led by the Dean of the Faculty of Languages & Translation, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi.   In recognition of the inaugural student activity programs, Dean Al-Melhi conducted a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. The purposes of the ceremony were to celebrate the improvements in student activities and emphasize their importance to the incoming freshmen.   One of the main objectives of the freshman orientation is to help new students make the transition from high school to college life. Dean Al-Melhi welcomed the students and expressed his excitement at seeing so many new faces. He then introduced several members of the faculty and staff, each of whom gave a brief explanation of how they can assist the students. Academic Counselor, Dr. Dawood Mahdi, then gave a short presentation about what the students can expect from their teachers and the administration. He also provided further information on how the faculty and staff can assist the students.   Dean Al-Melhi concluded the freshman orientation by saying 'You are all embarking upon a wonderful journey. Undoubtedly, each of you will have accomplishments and setbacks, joy and frustration. By the time you graduate, you will have learned so much about your major and about life. All of us here in the department hope that, years from now, you will remember your brief time at King Khalid University as one of the most valuable experiences in your life'.   Following the orientation, Dean Al-Melhi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Yahya Asiri, Chairman of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Munassir Alhamami, and Counselor Mahdi conducted the student awards portion of the program. This semester the FLT recognized the following students for achieving a grade point average at or above 4.75:   Mohammed Al-Buhairi Nasser Asiri Rayan Jabar Faisal Asiri Nasser Al-Shahrani Mohammed Al-Qahtani Fuad Fayad Hamad Ghannam Mohanad Mushabab Ahmed Ahmed Abdullah Nasser Abdulelah Hussein Turki Shamakh Abdulaziz Hussein Fares Shafi Khalid Hamza Ali Mohammed Asim Asiri Khalid Shehri Abdulrahman Ahmed Hussam Asiri Abdulaziz Hassan Mohanad Al-Dosari Ahmed Qadi Abdulelah Saad Mohammed Al-Shabi Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Dhafer Abdulmoshin Mohammed Hazza Salem Awadh Hassan Wael Ahmed Abdulrahman Asiri Musa Mohammed   After the awards ceremony, Registrar at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Nasser Hawamdeh, conducted a brief presentation concerning a variety of registration policies and procedures. He reviewed the methods by which students can register, change classes, and add/drop courses during the semester. This was important information as it covers frequently asked questions, especially among newer students.   Director Alfadhil then encouraged all of the students to participate in the English Club. The purpose of the extracurricular club is to help students improve their English skills and knowledge in an informal and collegial setting in which the focus is on teaching each other. 'The English Club can be a valuable and enjoyable means of improving your language skills while having fun. I encourage you to join the English Club at your earliest convenience', said Director Alfadhil.   At the end of the program, all of the participants enjoyed the refreshments. Students, both new and experienced, expressed their enthusiasm for their studies in the department. Date: 1/29/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation