KSGAAL Launches Arabic Proficiency Test

By Badrul Aini Sha'ari

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) – The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) has launched the “Hamzah” test to assess Arabic language proficiency among non-native speakers.

The announcement was made by its Secretary-General, Dr Abdullah Saleh al-Washmi, during the launch of Arabic Language Month at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) yesterday.

bootstrap slideshow

Dr al-Washmi noted that the Hamzah test, which will be conducted online, is equivalent to the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), using the standards set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Activities lined up for Malaysia’s Arabic Language Month, which began on Jan 2, include poetry recitation competitions, calligraphy writing contests, academic forums, and intensive Arabic language courses for lecturers, teachers, and university students.

“Besides Malaysia, Arabic Language Month is also being held in several countries such as Mali, Kazakhstan, Argentina, Indonesia, China, Brazil, and others,” he said.

The event was also attended by Chargé d’Affaires of Cultural Attaché at Saudi Arabia Embassy, Mohammed Abdullah al-Sahli, as well as academics and students from local higher education institutions.

Additionally, Dr al-Washmi encouraged Malaysian students to enrol in an eight-month Arabic language course at the KSGAAL-run Markaz Abjad, along with a two-month immersion programme in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier this year, KSGAAL also organised Arabic Language Month in collaboration with the International Islamic University of Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ).

-- BERNAMA