Arabic I and Mediation
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
This course aims to provide basic knowledge of written and spoken Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in its sociolinguistic context. It also provides the historical, political, social and cultural fundamentals required for understanding linguistic phenomena.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Master the Arabic alphabet and writing system;
- Recognise and use morphosyntactic and lexical structures of MSA at an elementary level;
- Introduce themselves in a conversation;
- Understand, translate and produce short simple texts on topics studied;
- Understand linguistic phenomena in the frame of Arab history and culture, also from a diachronic perspective.
- Master the Arabic alphabet and writing system;
- Recognise and use morphosyntactic and lexical structures of MSA at an elementary level;
- Introduce themselves in a conversation;
- Understand, translate and produce short simple texts on topics studied;
- Understand linguistic phenomena in the frame of Arab history and culture, also from a diachronic perspective.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
The course consists of two parts: a 20-hour introductory module on Arabic language and culture, followed by a 60-hour language and grammar module.
Introduction to Arabic Sociolinguistics: Historical, geographical, and socio-cultural background of the Arab world; an introduction to Arabic sociolinguistics and dialectology.
Arabic Language and Grammar
Students will develop the core language skills—reading, writing, vocabulary, and essential grammar—through the study of texts supported by grammar explanations.
Main topics include:
· Arabic script, spelling, and pronunciation (including scientific transliteration)
· Nouns: definiteness and indefiniteness, gender, case, number (sound plurals, broken plurals, and the dual), and adjective agreement. Nominal sentences and iḍāfa.
· Prepositions and particles
· Verbs and verbal sentences: present indicative (al-muḍāriʿ al-marfūʿ), past tense (al-māḍī), active and passive participles, and the basic verb form plus derived Forms II, III, and IV.
Language practice classes
Attendance is mandatory. Practical sessions focus on developing written skills (including handwriting) and spoken communication through everyday situations, such as introducing yourself, interacting in daily life, and describing places.
Introduction to Arabic Sociolinguistics: Historical, geographical, and socio-cultural background of the Arab world; an introduction to Arabic sociolinguistics and dialectology.
Arabic Language and Grammar
Students will develop the core language skills—reading, writing, vocabulary, and essential grammar—through the study of texts supported by grammar explanations.
Main topics include:
· Arabic script, spelling, and pronunciation (including scientific transliteration)
· Nouns: definiteness and indefiniteness, gender, case, number (sound plurals, broken plurals, and the dual), and adjective agreement. Nominal sentences and iḍāfa.
· Prepositions and particles
· Verbs and verbal sentences: present indicative (al-muḍāriʿ al-marfūʿ), past tense (al-māḍī), active and passive participles, and the basic verb form plus derived Forms II, III, and IV.
Language practice classes
Attendance is mandatory. Practical sessions focus on developing written skills (including handwriting) and spoken communication through everyday situations, such as introducing yourself, interacting in daily life, and describing places.
Prerequisites for admission
No previous knowledge of Arabic is required.
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures and mandatory practical language sessions.
The course MyAriel page includes a weekly updated lesson blog with a summary of each class,. reading references, additional learning materials, practice exercises.
Attendance at the practical sessions is compulsory, while attendance at lectures is strongly recommended. Students who do not attend lectures should regularly consult the lesson blog on MyAriel to keep up with the course content and practice materials. Students will be assigned to practical-session groups through an online registration form available on MyAriel during the week before classes begin.
The course MyAriel page includes a weekly updated lesson blog with a summary of each class,. reading references, additional learning materials, practice exercises.
Attendance at the practical sessions is compulsory, while attendance at lectures is strongly recommended. Students who do not attend lectures should regularly consult the lesson blog on MyAriel to keep up with the course content and practice materials. Students will be assigned to practical-session groups through an online registration form available on MyAriel during the week before classes begin.
Teaching Resources
Required textbooks
· M. Ruocco, D. Potenza, L. D'Anna, S. Fatayer, M. Hussein Eid, Comunicare in arabo, Vol. 1, Hoepli, Milan, 2022.
· Giuliano Mion, La lingua araba, new edition, Carocci, 2016.
Recommended Dictionaries
· R. Traini, Vocabolario arabo-italiano, Istituto per l'Oriente, Rome, 1966.
· E. Baldissera, Dizionario arabo-italiano, italiano-arabo, Zanichelli, 2014 edition.
Reference Grammars
· G. Mion, L. D'Anna, Grammatica di arabo standard moderno, Hoepli, 2021.
· L. Veccia Vaglieri, M. Avino, Grammatica teorico-pratica della lingua araba, Istituto per l'Oriente C. A. Nallino, Rome, 2017.
· M. Ruocco, D. Potenza, L. D'Anna, S. Fatayer, M. Hussein Eid, Comunicare in arabo, Vol. 1, Hoepli, Milan, 2022.
· Giuliano Mion, La lingua araba, new edition, Carocci, 2016.
Recommended Dictionaries
· R. Traini, Vocabolario arabo-italiano, Istituto per l'Oriente, Rome, 1966.
· E. Baldissera, Dizionario arabo-italiano, italiano-arabo, Zanichelli, 2014 edition.
Reference Grammars
· G. Mion, L. D'Anna, Grammatica di arabo standard moderno, Hoepli, 2021.
· L. Veccia Vaglieri, M. Avino, Grammatica teorico-pratica della lingua araba, Istituto per l'Oriente C. A. Nallino, Rome, 2017.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final assessment consists of a written exam followed by an oral exam. Students may take the oral exam only after passing the written exam.
Both exams assess the grammar and vocabulary covered in lectures and practical sessions.
Written Exam (May, September, and January)
The written exam includes:
1. Reading comprehension based on a short text.
2. Grammar exercises involving completion and transformation.
3. A short written composition using the vocabulary and topics covered during the practical sessions.
4. An open-ended question (answered in Italian) on the socio-cultural and sociolinguistic topics discussed in the course. Students attending the course may complete this part through a mid-term assessment at the end of the first semester.
Results will be published on MyAriel.
Oral Exam
The oral exam includes:
1. A conversation in Arabic on topics covered during the language practice classes. Attending students may complete this requirement through two mid-term oral assessments, one at the end of each semester.
2. Reading, translating, and analysing a previously studied text, followed by questions on the grammar topics covered in the course.
The written exam syllabus and grade remain valid until May 2028.
Both exams assess the grammar and vocabulary covered in lectures and practical sessions.
Written Exam (May, September, and January)
The written exam includes:
1. Reading comprehension based on a short text.
2. Grammar exercises involving completion and transformation.
3. A short written composition using the vocabulary and topics covered during the practical sessions.
4. An open-ended question (answered in Italian) on the socio-cultural and sociolinguistic topics discussed in the course. Students attending the course may complete this part through a mid-term assessment at the end of the first semester.
Results will be published on MyAriel.
Oral Exam
The oral exam includes:
1. A conversation in Arabic on topics covered during the language practice classes. Attending students may complete this requirement through two mid-term oral assessments, one at the end of each semester.
2. Reading, translating, and analysing a previously studied text, followed by questions on the grammar topics covered in the course.
The written exam syllabus and grade remain valid until May 2028.
STAA-01/L - Arabic Language and Literature - University credits: 12
Lessons: 80 hours
Professor:
Pozzoli Federico
Professor(s)
Reception:
MS Teams or in person, please arrange via email
Sesto San Giovanni, room 4012 (4th floor)