On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the University of Balamand (UOB) hosted Dr. Pamela Achkar, Head of the Arabic Language Undergraduate and Master’s Programs at Saint Joseph University of Beirut. Dr. Achkar delivered a lecture entitled “The Arabic Language and 21st Century Skills: Preparing Graduates for Future Careers”, as part of the course Arab 201, supervised by Dr. Dorine Nasr.

The event was attended by Professor Hanna Al Nakat, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Maria Nasr Chairperson of the Department of Languages and Translation, Dr. Dorine Nasr, instructor of Arabic at UOB, students from the Arabic Language and Literature Department, as well as several students from local schools.

In her lecture, Dr. Achkar focused on the challenges facing the Arabic language in the era of globalization and the pressures this creates on the cultural and linguistic identity of its speakers. She addressed the importance of keeping pace with technological and digital advancements to ensure the continued relevance of the Arabic language in the labor market and educational systems.

She also discussed key 21st century skills such as digital literacy, flexibility, adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving, emphasizing the need to integrate these skills into educational curricula, particularly within Arabic language teaching programs. She highlighted the role of creativity in developing teaching methods and enhancing learner engagement.
The lecture also shed light on the importance of strengthening both written and oral communication skills in Arabic, as these are essential for preparing graduates for future careers and empowering them to express their ideas effectively and professionally.

​





​​