Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On May 2, 2019, Quality Consultant at the Deanship of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Ahmad Farid, led a workshop at the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT) on NCAAA accreditation of the English language program. The first step in this process is for the department to complete a comprehensive initial self-evaluation. This analysis evaluates the current performance levels of all essential academic functions in the program. The FLT is pleased to report that the initial self-evaluation is complete.   The comprehensive self-evaluation is a complex and labor-intensive effort. The FLT assembled 11 faculty teams, each of which was assigned to evaluate a mission-critical department function. A total of nearly 30 faculty members from the FLT participated. The process involves analyzing tasks and the associated sub-tasks, then measuring current performance against a variety of quantitative and qualitative standards. The teams were working on a tight schedule for this phase of the accreditation project. Also, the work had to be completed in accordance with a strict set of evaluative parameters. Every team met the challenge head-on, and delivered high-quality work on schedule.   Vice Dean of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, is pleased with the FLT's progress. He stated "Before the NCAAA will begin its own critical analysis of the program, certain requirements must be satisfied. The program under consideration must demonstrate that appropriate quality assurance standards are in place, and that all operations are in accordance with its institutional charter or license. The self-evaluation requires that the department support each conclusion with a coherent statistical analysis based on traceable raw data. This effort required that the teams collect, analyze, and evaluate in a short time frame. Each team had to collate quantitative data from a wide variety of sources, and collect qualitative data from the different stakeholders, including students, faculty, and members of the community." Dr. Almosa then commended the accreditation teams for their hard work and exemplary results.   Program Coordinator at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Fadi Al-Khasawneh, expanded upon Vice Dean Almosa's introductory remarks. "The accreditation process begins with a rigorous self-evaluation of the program. The NCAAA will not start its independent review until it is satisfied that we have completed a fair, balanced, and objective internal evaluation of our program," he said. This requires that the department conduct a detailed performance analysis of operations in 11 separate areas. Dr. Al-Khasawneh also noted that each internal evaluation is subject to independent review by a duly authorized NCAAA review panel.   The accreditation process entails for additional major steps to be completed in due course: Acceptance of the application by the NCAAA, and scheduling of dates for review; Completion of a Self-Study Report for Programs (SSRP) using the criteria and processes specified by the NCAAA. This normally takes between 9-12 months. NCAAA will provide ongoing advice during this period to ensure full compliance with all requirements; Independent evaluation by the NCAAA or it delegates, including a site visit by a review panel; Decision on accreditation by the NCAAA after consideration of external review panel recommendations.   This first phase of accreditation was not easy. The teams had to complete a large amount of work in a short amount of time. Moreover, the period of performance of this phase overlapped with the end of the school year. The FLT would like to recognize the respective team leaders and members for their hard work on the project as follows:   Standard 1: Mission, Goals & Objectives Team Leader: Hassan Costello Team Members: Saqub Aftab + Dr. Charles Forman + Dr. Michael Hadzantonis + Dr. Justin Sfariac   Standard 2: Program Administration Team Leader: Mahmudul Haque Team Member: Mohammad Adil Siddique   Standard 3: Management of Program Quality Assurance Team Leader: Abdullah Al-Rezgi Team Member: Javed Ahmad   Standard 4: Learning & Teaching Team Leader: Dr. Fadi Al-Khasawneh Team Members: Dr. Karem Abdullateef + Dr. Eyhab Abdulrazak Bader Eddin + Dr. Adel Bahameed   Standard 5: Student Administration and Support Services Team Leader: Dr. Dawood Mahdi Team Member: Dr. Omer Sultan   Standard 6: Learning Resources Team Leader: Mohsin Khan Team Member: Dr. Sayed Mohammed Bilal Kadiri   Standard 7: Facilities and Equipment Team Leader: Dr. Ahl Allah Saddiqi Team Member: Mohammed Fouad   Standard 8: Financial Planning and Management Team: Academic Development & Quality Unit   Standard 9: Faculty and Staff Employment Processes Team Leader: Abdul Rauf Khan Team Member: Fazle Malik   Standard 10: Research Team Leader: Dr. Hasan Jaashan Team Members: Dr. Abdelhamid Bessaid + Dr. Sayed Rashid + Dr. Yahya Zeghoudi   Standard 11: Institutional Relationships With the Community Team Leader: Dr. Abdul Wahed Al-Zumor Team Members: Dr. Nisar Koka + Dr. Mohammed Osman   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is dedicated to providing excellence in all aspects of its educational offerings. The FLT, its students, and alumni deserve national recognition for the quality of the program. The department is determined to secure such recognition by way of NCAAA accreditation in the near future. Date: 5/20/2019 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

The delicious aroma of savory spices curling up from the grill and wafting through the air set the stage for the Faculty of Languages and Translation’s semesterly social gathering during the 1439-1440 academic year. Nearly 50 faculty members and administrative staff gathered together and got to know each other in an informal setting. Conversations about academic work, research, career paths, and general interests filled the night. "The social gathering was a great way for everyone to share experiences and stories over hot drinks and appetizers. We do our best to create a family-like feeling where we are in it together and need to help one another. This was a great night to come together indoors while it is raining. Rain is considered a miracle in our culture and Abha will very different over the next few days," said Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi. Dean Al-Melhi encouraged more events of this nature in the future, adding that the informal group dynamic not only creates lasting memories with colleagues, but also facilitates interaction outside of established circles.  Date:10/29/2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Source: Mohammad Taisir

A training course was recently held at the First Quran Based Intermediate and High School in Abha by the Supervisor of the Community Service Committee at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Ms. Asma Alqahtani.The subject of the training session was "Self-Study of the English Language by Modern Methods." In that training, Ms. Asma Alqahtani introduced teachers to the online learning resources on the Faculty of Languages and Translation's website that will help further their language studies. She also introduced students to popular mobile phone applications that make studying English more engaging and fun. At the conclusion of the event, Asma trained students on other well-known language learning strategies that they can utilize in their pursuit of learning English as a foreign language. Date: 10/7/1439 Source: FLT Female Campus

New students were embraced at the Level 1 Student Orientation on February 6, 2018, in the auditoriums of Building D. Incoming students were greeted with a warm welcome by the English Club and a presentation highlighting what the FLT would bring into their lives.  Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, delivered a heartfelt welcome telling all students that we are all one family.  He introduced the numerous facilities that the FLT provides to students to bolster their experience, and he encouraged students to take advantage of the expanded opportunities we offer at the FLT by completely immersing themselves into campus life and academic events. Any student who missed this event can contact the English Club for further assistance. Date: 02-11-2018 Source: The Faculty of Languages and Translation

Under the supervision of the Vice Presidency of Student Affairs, the Faculty of  Languages and Translation (Female Campus) participated in the program "Proud Of My Femininity" which aimed at strengthening the instinctual feminine nature and fighting the unnatural behaviors. The English Club presented a corner titled "Proud of My Look and Proud of My Innateness."  The corner included different models, brochures, and slogans. The English Club students provided brief instructional presentations to the students about the program and offered generous gifts.  Date: 10/18/2017 Source: Public Relations & Media Office.

Ahmad Al Otaibi is a student at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, and he is a journalist at Aseer News. Lately, due to his continues press and social media coverage for the Abha Charity Association and as a representative of Aseer News, he received an appreciation certificate from the Governor of the Asir Region, HRH Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz. "Ahmad sets an example of how a college student can actively contribute to the community while continuously striving for academic success," said Dr. Abdullah Al Melhi, FLT Dean. It is worth mentioning that Ahmad is also an active member in many activities as Vice President of the English Club. Date: 8/17/2017 Source: Abdullah Omar (KKU IT)

  A university-wide Blackboard training webinar was held by E-Learning Supervisor at the Faculty of Languages & Translation, Mohsin Khan, on Sunday, December 11, 2016. The webinar was organized by the E-Learning Deanship. It took place as part of a university-wide strategy to increase the amount of instructional design training to enhance the virtual learning environment for both students and teachers alike. The primary objectives of the webinar were to improve student learning, engagement, interaction, and most importantly quality learning. These objectives were solidified by the core foundation of the program that participants would be expected to be able to:   Create content items to present a variety of learning activities to enhance student learning; Deliver authentic assessments to evaluate student knowledge in a variety of meaningful ways; Effectively utilize select collaboration tools to increase student engagement by providing a means to share and create knowledge.   The webinar was an overall success and will continue successively in future webinars as a part of the Tamkeen Team efforts. Special thanks to E-learning Deanship Training Manager, Mohammed Jarallah, and ELC General Coordinator, Javed Ahmad, for their holistic support.   Update: Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan received a certificate of appreciation for his efforts at the beginning of the Spring 2017 Semester. The certificate was presented to Mr. Khan by the E-Learning Deanship.   Date: 12/11/16 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Contribution: Javed Ahmad

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