Arabic Language and Culture

Field of Study: philology, majoring in translation and interpreting

The Arabic Language and Culture (in combination) study programme focuses on learning about one of the major cultures that has played a particularly important role in the world since ancient times. The essence of the programme is the study of the Arabic language and the literature, history and religion of Arabic-speaking countries. The study is combined with a programme of another foreign language (English, French, etc.), which greatly enhances the graduate’s qualifications and knowledge. Acquisition of the written Arabic language begins with learning the Arabic script and the basics of grammar. At the same time, the history and basics of Arabic linguistics are also taught. In the subsequent years, the student further improves his/her written language skills and acquires the colloquial (Egyptian) dialect (from the 2nd year onwards). In addition, the student gradually acquires the basics of Arabic literature and Islam as the dominant religion of the Arab world.

In accordance with the cultural agreements concluded by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, a scholarship stay of several months in Arab countries is supposed to happen (from the 3rd year), the aim of which should be primarily to improve the practical language. The workplace also offers study stays with the contribution of European mobility support programmes (CEEPUS, Erasmus) at the workplaces in Vienna, Tlemcen, Algeria and Prague.

Employment in the field is multifaceted. The Bachelor’s degree provides qualifications for work in fields where knowledge of the Arabic language, history and culture of the Arab world is required. These include tourism, administration, journalism, international trade, security forces or various cultural institutions, government bodies or NGOs (humanitarian work, work with refugees). In Europe, there is a growing need for knowledge of Arab culture and the Islamic religion in view of the expansion of the Arab minority in  EU member states.

The Bachelor’s degree is followed by a Master’s degree in the same field of study.

 

Entrance Examination Requirements

Applicants will be admitted to the Arabic Language and Culture (in combination) study programme on the basis of a general aptitude test for university study, which is provided by www.scio.cz, s. r. o. Knowledge of the Arabic language is not required, but familiarity with the history and realities of Arabic-speaking countries is recommended. Applicants for Arabic language and culture in combination with the English language will also take the English language test, and applicants for Arabic language and culture in combination with German will also take the German language test of the National Comparative Exam provided by www.scio.cz, s. r. o.