Department of Arabic and Translation Studies

Head of Department

❮

❯

Salāms, and welcome to the Department of Arabic and Translation Studies (ATS). As the head of the department, it is my honor to introduce you to the diverse and inclusive learning environment that we cherish and foster here at ATS. Our educational mission is centered on imparting in our students a profound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the Arab-Islamic civilization, and to provide them with a comprehensive education in four distinct disciplines: Arabic Studies, Translation Studies, Islamic Studies, and Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL).

We believe in serving all students, regardless of their majors, and offer three minor programs to fulfill their diverse needs and interests. These minors consist of 12-credit hours each and are designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge in their respective areas of interest.|-BREAK-|

The two minor programs are:

⁍ Arabic Language and Literature, which is aimed at giving students a comprehensive understanding of the Arabic language and its rich heritage, literature, culture and society.

⁍ Translation, which is aimed at equipping students with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to become professional translators and increase their employability and understanding of the other in a more globalized world.

⁍ Additionally, ATS offers multiple courses in Islamic Studies, which introduce students to the history, religion, culture and society of the Islamic world, with a particular focus on Seerah, Hadith, and Qur’anic Studies.

Furthermore, our AFL courses provide students with the opportunity to learn and improve their language skills in a practical setting. Our faculty members are a talented and dedicated group of experts who are accomplished in both teaching and research. With their extensive experience and wealth of knowledge, they are committed to providing students with an exceptional learning experience. Our graduates are highly sought-after by employers in a wide range of fields, including government, education, international business and media.

We invite you to join our vibrant community of students and scholars and look forward to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Ahmed Ali
Head of Department

Conferences

Hyperlocal to Global: Cultural Hybridity and Translation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence | February 19–20, 2025

Register to attend this two-day conference where researchers, scholars, industry experts and students will explore and exchange ideas on the rapid development of AI technologies. The conference will delve into how AI influences the blending of the local with the global and how cultural hybridity (glocal) is represented and transmitted across various media through AI-generated translation. It will focus on the tensions, opportunities and implications of these processes in the context of the digital era, examining the role of AI in shaping/reshaping narratives, media, languages and cultural goods.

❮

❯

Click here for more information

❮

❯

Islam in the Modern World: Dialogues on Faith, Culture and Society | April 21–22, 2025

Join us for a two-day conference aimed to address the various dimensions of Islamic tradition and its relevance in the modern context. We aim to facilitate discussions that not only honor the rich historical and intellectual heritage of Islam but also investigate its applications and interpretations in contemporary settings. By examining the dynamic interplay between traditional Islamic knowledge and contemporary scholarly approaches, we hope to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the field. This will include exploring how Islamic thought can contribute to modern debates on ethics, law, education, politics, economics and more.

Click here for more information

Programs

Master of Arts in Translation (English/Arabic/English)

Minor in Arabic Language and Literature

Minor in English/Arabic Translation

Faculty

Ms. Wesam Al-Assadi

Instructor

MA, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Mariam Al-Attar

Senior Lecturer

PhD, Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies Department, University of Leeds, United Kingdom

Dr. Meis Al-Kaisi

Associate Professor

PhD, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, United Kingdom

Professor Ahmed Ali

Professor

PhD, Durham University, United Kingdom

Research

The research profile of the Department of Arabic and Translation Studies is diverse. Department faculty members’ research agendas delve into matters central to the field, covering a wide range of interests and specializations.

Arabic Linguistics

Arabic corpus linguistics
Arabic dialectology
Arabic historical linguistics
Arabic semantics and pragmatics
Teaching Arabic as a foreign language

Arabic Literature

Arabic music
Classical and modern Arabic poetry in translation
Classical Arabic literature and thought
Modern Arabic literature
Modern Arabic poetry
Modernism in Arabic literature
Postcolonial literature

Islamic Studies

Contemporary readings of the Qur’an
Ethics in Muslim traditions
Hadith and Sunna both in their historical context and contemporary expression
Islam and mass media
Islamic jurisprudence
Islamic philosophy and kalām
Modern Islamic movements
Muslim intellectual history
Qur'anic studies and exegesis
Sufism and classical Arabic Sufi texts

Translation Studies

Arabic rhetoric
Audiovisual translation
Contrastive linguistics and translation
Corpus-based translation studies
Intercultural communication
Localization
Machine translation
Terminology

Summer Intensive Arabic Program

Study Arabic in Sharjah!

Learn Arabic. Live Arabic. Love Arabic.

This summer, make the leap that will set you apart for years to come.
Language is power, and the Arabic language opens doors to one of the world's most dynamic regions. This summer, immerse yourself in a transformative experience that goes beyond the classroom—one that builds your skills, expands your horizons and connects you to the heart of the Arab world.

Why Arabic? Why Now?

Gain a competitive edge in global business, diplomacy and culture.
Connect with over 400 million Arabic speakers worldwide.
Elevate your resume with a unique, marketable skill that sets you apart.

Your Pathway to Success Starts Here

Join the Summer Arabic Program at American University of Sharjah (AUS), where learning meets inspiration. Whether you’re a complete beginner or building on foundational skills, we’ve got you covered:

Elementary I (ARA 105): For total beginners ready to explore Arabic.
Elementary II (ARA 106): For learners advancing to the next level.

Program Overview

Dates: May 28–July 14, 2025 (Eid break and exam day excluded)
Schedule: 24 interactive classes, Monday through Thursday, 1 hour 45 minutes each.
Credit Hours: 3 per course

What Makes This Program Exceptional?

Learn from the Best: Our expert native-speaker professors will guide you in mastering Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and a spoken dialect.
Engage Beyond the Classroom: Dive into hands-on cultural experiences, connecting language to real-life situations.
Immerse in a Thriving Community: Study in Sharjah, named a UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World, on a beautiful, safe campus just minutes from Dubai.

How it Works:

Drawing from cutting-edge psychological insights, our program leverages:

Immersive Learning: Engage all your senses to retain and apply your new skills.
Community Connection: Build a support network with like-minded learners.
Transformative Experiences: Move beyond textbooks into meaningful, real-world practice.

Take the Next Step

Spots are limited, and the journey to unlocking your future starts today. Apply now to secure your place in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn Arabic while living it! See you in Sharjah!

Eligibility

Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better are encouraged to apply. All accepted students, except for complete beginners, will take an online placement test.

Dates and Deadlines

Deadline to Apply: April 6, 2025
Deadline for Tuition Fees Payment: April 21, 2025
Online Placement Test: TBA
Arrival/Dorms Open: May 23, 2025
International Exchange Office Orientation and Trip: May 24, 2025 (whole day)
Course Dates | May 28–July 14, 2025
Exams: July 16, 2025
Departure: July 17–18, 2025

Program Fees

Tuition Fees (only)	US$ 3,630 per course
Estimated Accommodation Fee	US$ 1,878 Private Room US$ 1,330 Semi-Private US$ 1,011 based on a shared dorm room (double-sharing) on campus
Other AUS Estimated Fees: US$ 1,000 for: application fee room booking deposit refundable dorm damage deposit orientation visa AUS insurance
Exclusions: The program fee does not include meals, books, travel costs and personal expenses.

Textbooks

Both levels use materials designed by the instructor in combination with the following textbook:
al-Kitaab fii Ta’allum al-Arabiyya (Part 1, 3rd ed.)

For further information, please contact:

[email protected] (Department of Arabic and Translation Studies)
[email protected] (International Exchange Office)

ATS reserves the right to cancel any course without prior notice.

For further information, please contact:

[email protected] (Department of Arabic and Translation Studies)
[email protected] (International Exchange Office)

Seats are limited, so apply today.

Click here to apply online

Facilities

❮

❯

AUS Library

Our students have access to the latest print and electronic materials in the field through the university's library.
As one of the region's premier libraries, the AUS Library is an outstanding facility that provides collections, services and programs to support the curricular and research needs of the entire university community. The majority of our library's rapidly growing physical collection is in English; however, there are also materials available in Arabic.
Our students have access to an online catalog system that can be used to search for library materials from any location on or off campus. They can also access e-books, online databases, full-text journals and other digital resources.

❮

❯

Interpreting Laboratory

Our fully functioning simultaneous interpreting lab is equipped with Tandberg conferencing equipment, the standard in the field. It features 11 single booths for simultaneous interpreting training and 10 points around a table for consecutive interpreting training. That setup can also be used to simulate conference events with principles seated at table and interpreters working in the booths.

❮

❯

Arabic Resource Center

The Arabic Resource Center is a specialized language learning room, equipped with a smart board, overhead projector, computer stations, and a library of Arabic learning resources and Arabic novels in translation. Its large meeting table and easy chairs encourage an intimate classroom environment where students can interact easily.