Page 13 - Issue224

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م2020 برمفون 224

ALLAB

Holds The First International

Symposium on Applied

Linguistics Research

U nder the patronage of Prince Sultan University’s the College of Arts at the State University of New York,
President, Dr. Ahmed Yamani, and the supervision on the fundamentals and new approaches of language
of the Dean of the College of Humanities, Dr. Hind learning.
Alotaibi, the Applied Linguistics Research Lab In addition to the keynote speeches, the symposium
(ALLAB) virtually held the First International Symposium provided 32 paper presentations and 12 poster
on Applied Linguistics Research (ALR2020) on Saturday, presentations in different areas of applied linguistics,
November 7, 2020. particularly on discourse analysis, second language
The symposium was inaugurated by Dr. Yamani who acquisition, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, vocabulary
highlighted the university’s commitment to support studies and language learning and teaching. These
research in the area of language studies, particularly research papers and posters were selected upon a rigours
when the applications are relevant to the society. He also review process led by Dr. Ana Siyanova Chanturia, Victoria
emphasized that this commitment comes in line with the University of Wellington, New Zealand, and Dr. Suhad
nature of Prince Sultan University which is characterized by Sonbul, Umm AlQura University, and conducted by 37
multiculturalism and uses the English language as a lingua university professors from 10 different countries. It is worth
franca for everyday communication and as a medium of noting that the speakers came from 15 different countries
instruction. In this regard, Dr. Yamani quoted Frank Smith, in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America.
“One language keeps you in a corridor for life while two The symposium also included 5 distinguished workshops
languages open every door along the way.” that were conducted by the British Council, the National
Another welcoming word was given by Dr. AlOtaibi who Center for Assessment (Qiyas), the translation initiative
emphasized that the symposium comes in line with Vision Traajim, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Association for
2030 since it supports the development of applied linguistics Language Teachers and the Artificial Intelligence company
research in the Kingdom and the Gulf Region. This direction Zaka.
should greatly contribute to the development of education It is worth noting that participation in the symposium
and scientific research. Dr. AlOtaibi also emphasized the was free-of-charge for all interested in applied linguistics
importance of practical applications for such symposiums research. This initiative represented a remarkable
so that they can serve the community. These events, Dr. contribution from Prince Sultan University to quality
AlOtaibi explained, provide a suitable environment for research in the Kingdom and helped fulfil Vision 2030
the exchange of ideas and knowledge among specialists through supporting research enhancement, community
around the world in support of research quality. service and the formation of national and international
In turn, Dr. Dina El-Dakhs, the leader of the Applied partnerships.
Linguistics Research Lab (ALLAB), delivered an introduction
about the lab. Dr. El-Dakhs mentioned that the lab was Participants’ Perspective
established in September 2019 with strong support The symposium was very well-received by the participants.
from the upper management of Prince Sultan University Here, we share some of the testimonials:
and the College of Humanities. The 15 lab investigators Dr. Heba Khoshaim, Deputy Vice President of Prince Sultan to three outstanding keynote speakers who presented
come from different parts of the world with a passion University commented, “On Saturday, I enjoyed attending highly informative presentations was the highlight of the
for interdisciplinary research in applied linguistics. Their an outstanding symposium. Although its scope is probably conference. Looking forward to the second symposium
focus is on conducting quality and ethical research and far from my research interest, I found it to be engaging. already!”
I truly admire its organization, appropriate scale, and rich
connecting research with the community. presentations. Particularly, I appreciate the opportunity to Additionally, Dr. Inas Hussein, Vice-Dean of the College
hear pioneers in the field of Applied Linguistics who shared of Language and Communication at the Arab Academy
Symposium Program their experience and knowledge in appealing fruitful talks. for Science and Technology in Egypt, congratulated
The symposium program included three keynote speeches. I look forward to the lab's future events.” the organizers on the success of the symposium and
The first speech was delivered by Prof. Norbert Schmitt, Dr. Alia Mitchell, Vice-Dean of the Deanship of Educational expressed her admiration of the excellent organization and
Emeritus Professor in Nottingham University, on the Services said, “The symposium was truly an intellectually valuable presentations. In the same vein, Dr. Aziza Zaher,
principles of teaching vocabulary in the English language. stimulating experience for all of the participants! Prof Coordinator of the Arabic Language Teaching Program at
The second speech was delivered by Prof. Christina Gitsaki, Norbert Talk on Vocabulary and language development to Durham University, UK, expressed its admiration of the
Research Coordinator at Zayed University, on the status of Dr. Jeanette's talk about Cognitive Psychology and language excellent organization and the diversity and quality of
Applied Linguistics research in the Gulf Region. The third development, the audience was able to take away many topics. Similarly, Ms. Tayseer Merghany, British Council
speech was delivered by Prof. Jeanette Altarriba, Dean of key tools to use for either research projects or practical in Saudi Arabia, commended the organizers on a job well
advice to be used in their teaching. Congratulations on a done and expressed her pleasure to deliver a workshop at
job well done!” the event.
Dr. Hala Dalbani, Coordinator of the English Language for Along the same lines, Dr. Khansa AlQudaimy, Assistant
Professionals Track at the Linguistics Department, said, Professor at Imam Bin Saud Islamic University, expressed
“As one of the members of the review committee, an her admiration of the excellent organization and the
attendee and a participant at symposium, I have to admit outstanding content delivered at the symposium. Likewise,
that the experience was highly informative. A diverse special thanks to the organizers were extended by Dr.
body of participants came from different parts of the Muhammed Akram, Associate Professor at Buruwala
world and shared their unique experiences in the field of University in Pakistan. Dr. Akram, particularly admired the
Applied Linguistics. The topics covered were unique and excellent selection of quality research papers and posters
enlightening to both EFL teachers and linguists. Listening and the smooth organization of the symposium.