Wednesday, December 12, 2012

A great opportunity for Arabic language students



Middlebury College is pleased to announce The Kathryn Davis Fellowships for Peace: Investing in the Study of Critical Languages. These 100 fellowships are made possible by a generous gift from Kathryn Davis, to address today's critical need for increased language proficiency in the United States.
The Kathryn Davis Fellowships cover 100% of tuition, room, and board for one summer of summer language study from beginner to graduate levels in Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian at the Middlebury College Language Schools.
The Davis Fellowships are merit-based and intended for exceptionally qualified individuals with demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas: international, global, or area studies; international politics and economics; peace and security studies; and/or conflict resolution. Individuals in other fields, including working professionals, are encouraged to apply if their field of expertise requires them to study one of the critical languages listed above.
The Kathryn Davis Fellowships are competitive, merit-based awards. Financial aid forms are not required for the Davis awards, but students are encouraged to apply for regular Middlebury College financial aid (awarded on a demonstrated-need basis), through the office of financial aid.
To be considered for the Davis Fellowship, you must have a complete Language School application on file.  Note that the Language Schools application includes a non-refundable processing fee of $65.
Applications for the Kathryn Davis Fellowship must be postmarked by January 14, 2013, and received by January 21, 2013.  If you live in an area requiring a longer mail time, please plan accordingly.
To be considered for a Davis Fellowship, please submit:

  1. A complete application for admission to an eligible Language School;
  2. Two copies of the coversheet;
  3. Two copies of the one-page Davis Fellowship essay;
  4. Two copies of a resumé or curriculum vitae.
Download the 2013 Coversheet and Essay Question Here
kd_scholars_reception

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Sunday, November 4, 2012

UAE named No. 1 global super brand


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2012-10-30
On top of the world: UAE named No. 1 global super brand  
   The United Arab Emirates has topped a list of 15 nations set to make the biggest impact on the global economic, political and cultural scene in years to come, according to a global brand and design consultancy.

The Country Brand Index list, published by FutureBrand consultancy last week, recognized the UAE as having the most “super brand” potential, noting its “abundance of natural resources and in exercising excellent government foresight around policy and investment” as one of the strongest indicators.

Among other Gulf countries in the “Future Fifteen” list, Qatar came in at number four behind UAE, Chile and Malaysia. The full list of the 2012-13 index can be seen below.

It ranks countries around the world based on “global perceptions today,” according to Emirates 24/7 news website, considering their cultures, industries, economic vitality and public policy initiatives and others.

“Drawing insights from a collective of 3,600 opinion-formers and frequent international travellers from 18 countries, FutureBrand determined how key audiences -- residents, investors, tourists and foreign governments -- see the world’s country brands, from awareness through to advocacy,” the website added.

“The Future Fifteen recognizes the United Arab Emirates as the forerunner among tomorrow’s leading country brands,” FutureBrand said in a statement, while also noting the UAE’s impending obstacles included the tremendous challenge of fair wealth distribution.

The “Future Fifteen” 2012-13 full list:

1. United Arab Emirates
2. Chile
3. Malaysia
4. Qatar
5. Estonia
6. China
7. Iceland
8. Mexico
9. Brazil
10. Turkey
11. Thailand
12. Colombia
13. India
14. Kazakhstan
15. Vietnam

Courtesy: FutureBrand

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

18 December - World Arabic Language Day


During its 190th session the UNESCO Executive Board adopted a decision to celebrate 18 December of every year as World Arabic Language Day. The new initiative, proposed by Morocco and Saudi Arabia, seeks to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity, as well as celebrate Arabic language’s role in and contribution to the safeguarding and dissemination of human civilization and culture. The decision recognizes the need to implement more wide-ranging cooperation between peoples through multilingualism, cultural rapprochement and dialogue among civilizations.

Language is not merely a tool for communication, but rather the bearer of a whole range of cultural expressions and a bridge enabling close relations between societies. The Day creates an occasion to raise awareness about the cultural and social treasure of the Arabic language and gives an opportunity to discover more about the language and its contribution to human civilization.
Arabic is the language of 22 of the Member States of UNESCO and is one of the Organization’s official languages.  It is one of the most widespread languages spoken by more than 422 million people, most of whom live in the Middle East and North Africa.
Arabic became a UN official working language on 18 December 1973 by virtue of a United Nations General Assembly resolution.  In an effort to support and strengthen linguistic and cultural diversity within the UN system, on 19 February 2010 the United Nations Department of Public Information announced the decision to celebrate an international day for each of the six official languages of the UN: French (March 20), English (April 23), Russian (June 6), Spanish (October 12), Chinese (November 13) and Arabic (December 18).  Arabic Language Day is celebrated on 18 December, the date on which the UN General Assembly designated Arabic as the sixth official language of the United Nations.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Belly dancing Song

As promised, ladies who attended the Belly-dancing night, here is the song we danced on so that you can practice for our coming events :) enjoy it