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إعداد برنامج لتدريـس اللـهجة الجـزائـرية (لمدينة مشرية) للمتحدثــيـن الكبار بالإنجليــزية
(2026-05) Mekki, Atiqa; Zain, Aatif
هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى توفير مرجع أوّلي أو برنامج لتدريس لهجة مدينة مشرية الجزائريّة لمتحدثي اللغة الإنجليزية الكبار، ولتحقيق هذا الهدف استخدمت الباحثة المنهج الوصفي في البداية لوصف وتحليل هذه اللهجة، ثمّ المنهج شبه التجريبي لتقديم نموذج تطبيقي لبرنامج تدريسيّ فعّال، مبنيّ على ما تم التوصُّل إليه بعد تحليل اللهجة، وعلى رصد تطوّر المستوى اللغوي في اللهجة المدروسة للطالب حليم (عيّنة الدراسة)، ما استلزم تصميم أدوات ومواد تدريسيّة، تمّ جمع أنجعها وأنجحها مع أغلب الطلاب، في هذا البرنامج النّاتج. جاءت هذه المواد التدريسية بعد تجريب الكثير من البرامج والطرق الأخرى، التي فشل بعضها ونجح بعضها الآخر خلال مدة تجاوزت السبع سنوات، وبالموازاة مع مراقبة تجاوب الطلاب معها، لأنّ البرنامج الذي يمكن أن ينجح مع طالب مُعَيَّن، ليس بالضرورة أن ينجح مع آخر، مع الأخذ بعين الاعتبار خصوصيّة التعليم عن بعد ولطالب واحد في الحصّة.
ولأنّ هذه الدراسة هي الأولى من نوعها بخصوص تدريس لهجة مدينة مشرية لغير الناطقين بالعربية، إلى غاية تاريخ كتابة هذه الأسطر، فكان يلزم وضعها في إطارها الجغرافي، التاريخي والثّقافي أولا، ثمّ تحليلها، لهذا تم أخذ ثلاثة نُصُوص من لهجة مدينة مشرية والقيام بتحليل الصوتيات والصرف والقواعد والمفردات، في كلّ منها. ما أكّد أنها لهجة عربية بنسبة كبيرة نظرا لتوافق الصّرف والصوتيات وحتى المفردات مع بعض الكلمات من لغات ولهجات أخرى. وجب التّنويه أنّ نسبة صفاء اللّهجة يمكنها أن تختلف من شخص لآخر حسب الخلفية الثقافية له ولأسرته الصغيرة (إنْ كانت الأم أو الزوجة من مدينة أخرى، الاطلاع على لغات أخرى من عدمه..). ثُمّ بناء على ما سبق ونتيجة تجريب الكثير من الطرق والأساليب التدريسية التي فشل بعضها ونجح بعضها الآخر خلال مسيرة تدريسية للباحثة دامَت أكثر من سبع سنوات، اقتصرَت على جمع ما نجح منها في عينة برنامج الطالب "حليم" الّذي حقق هدفه (القدرة على التواصل اليومي مع عائلته الكبيرة في الجزائر بلهجة جزائريّة) من دراسة اللهجة في مدة سبعة أشهر _ ما يُعْتَبَرُ إنجازا رائعا في مجال تدريس العربية للناطقين بغيرها _. فكان البرنامج الّذي شمِل اختبار مستوى في البداية واستبيان تحديد الأهداف والميولات، ثُمَّ دروس المستويات من A1 إلى B2، وبين كل مستوى وآخر كانت هناك اختبارات تحصيليّة يُحَدّد من خلالها إن كان الطالب سينتقل للمستوى التالي مباشرة أو يحتاج مراجعة بعض الأشياء أوّلا. واحتوى كل درسٍ على تمارين تفاعلية عبر نماذج غوغل، بحيث يستطيع كل طالب الإجابة والتحصّل على تقييم ذاتي بشكل آليّ. طبعا هذا خاص بالتعليم عن بُعد وبالدروس التي تكون شخصا لشخص، بحيث المُدرس يكون لديه طالب واحد في الساعة. ويمكن تكييف هذا البرنامج على حسب الميول والخلفيات والمعارف المسبقة لكل طالب. انتهى بحوار بسيط لحليم مع جدّته الأمازيغية. بعدما زار الجزائر بعد غياب طويل، حاملا بعضا من هويّته معه هذه المرّة (الدارجة)، حضَّرتْ له جدتُه طبق فواكه، ثُمَّ سألَته: عَجْبَك الرُّمَّان؟ أجاب: إيه، مليح. عجبني.
This study aimed to provide an initial reference or instructional program for teaching the Algerian Arabic dialect of the city of Mecheria to adult English-speaking learners. To achieve this objective, the researcher first adopted the descriptive approach to describe and analyze this dialect, followed by a quasi-experimental approach to present an applied model of an effective instructional program. This program was built upon the results obtained from the linguistic analysis of the dialect, as well as on monitoring the development of the learner’s linguistic proficiency in the studied dialect, represented by the student Halim (the study sample). This required the design of instructional tools and materials, from which the most effective and successful ones—as observed with the majority of learners—were selected and incorporated into the resulting program.
These instructional materials were developed after experimenting with numerous programs and teaching methods, some of which failed while others succeeded, over a period exceeding seven years, alongside continuous observation of learners’ responses. This is because a program that proves successful with one learner does not necessarily succeed with another, especially when taking into account the specific nature of distance learning and one-to-one instruction.
Since this study is the first of its kind—up to the time of writing—to address the teaching of the Mecheria dialect to non-Arabic speakers, it was necessary to situate the dialect within its geographical, historical, and cultural context before proceeding with its analysis. Accordingly, three texts from the Mecheria dialect were selected and analyzed at the phonetic, morphological, syntactic, and lexical levels. The analysis confirmed that the dialect is predominantly Arabic, given the strong correspondence of its morphology, phonetics, and core vocabulary with Arabic, despite the presence of some lexical items borrowed from other languages and dialects.
It should be noted that the degree of linguistic purity of the dialect may vary from one speaker to another depending on individual and familial cultural backgrounds (such as whether the mother or spouse is from another city, or exposure to other languages). Based on these findings, and following extensive experimentation with various teaching methods throughout the researcher’s teaching career spanning more than seven years, only the most successful approaches were incorporated into the program designed for the student “Halim.” This program successfully achieved its objective—enabling the learner to engage in daily communication with his extended family in Algeria using an Algerian dialect—within a period of seven months, which constitutes a remarkable achievement in the field of teaching Arabic to non-native speakers.
The program included an initial placement test and a questionnaire to identify learning objectives and preferences, followed by instructional levels ranging from A1 to B2. Between each level, achievement tests were administered to determine whether the learner could proceed directly to the next level or needed to review certain components first. Each lesson included interactive exercises delivered through Google Forms, allowing learners to respond and receive automated self-assessment. This program is specifically designed for distance learning and for individual, one-to-one instruction, in which the instructor works with a single learner per session. The curriculum is flexible and may be adapted to accommodate each learner’s interests, background, and prior knowledge.
The program concludes with a brief dialogue between Halim and his Amazigh grandmother. After returning to Algeria following a long absence—this time carrying with him an element of his identity, namely Darija—his grandmother prepares a plate of fruit for him and then asks, “Did you like the pomegranate?” He replies, “Yes, it’s good. I liked it.”
Challenges Encountered by New Muslim Reverts in Guyana
(International Open University (IOU), 2025) Mohamed, Bibi Rehana; Sahib, Anwar
This study investigates individuals who have recently adopted Islam in Guyana. It aims to establish the struggles they encounter in the initial stage of their journey. The research categorizes the challenges into four categories: psychological, social, cultural, and religious. Highlighting the hurdles that prevent new Muslims from obtaining a seamless transition from one lifestyle to another would assist fellow Muslims, leaders of masjids, and Islamic organizations to understand the challenges from reverts’ perspectives. Consequently, the tension and stress that new reverts experience after embracing Islam could be alleviated by helping to supply sufficient support systems for their integration. The methodology used for gathering data utilized a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. The quantitative procedure involved surveys, which collected information from 77 participants across Guyana, while interviews were conducted with 11 reverts as part of the qualitative process. This hybrid approach facilitated the analysis of measurable data and personal narratives, which highlighted individual and collective challenges. The findings revealed that while spiritual conviction among reverts remained strong, several reverts experienced physical and psychological difficulties caused by strained family relationships and cultural dissimilarity. Additionally, they encountered hurdles in learning Arabic and adhering to Islamic practices due to a lack of sufficient mentorship and communal support. Other challenging issues were identified as social marginalization, especially from non-Muslim relatives and acquaintances, along with the perception of being scrutinized for identifying as a Muslim. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to an under-researched demographic within the Caribbean context. By presenting the voices and concerns of new Muslims in Guyana, this research not only fills a critical gap in Islamic and sociocultural scholarship but also provides practical recommendations for developing inclusive and empathetic strategies to support reverts. The findings aim to encourage policymakers, religious institutions, and Muslim communities to be more responsive, understanding, and proactive in facilitating smoother transitions for new Muslims. DECLARATION I hereby declare that this research paper [Challenges Encountered by New Muslim Reverts in Guyana] comprises solely my original work and has been submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for a Master of Arts in the field of Islamic Studies at the International Open University. This paper has not been submitted previously for any academic or professional qualification. The work of others in this research is clearly acknowledged according to scholarly conventions. Signed: Bibi Rehana Mohamed Date: 1 July 2025
Factors Behind the Success of ?al??udd?n Ayy?b? in Reconquering Jerusalem Compared to the Failure of the Contemporary Muslim World
(International Open University (IOU), 2025) Bajwa, Moneeb Irshad; Tahhir, Ibrahim Nuhu
This thesis investigates the remarkable success of ?al??udd?n Ayy?b? in liberating Jerusalem in 1187 CE, analyzing the spiritual, political, economic, military prowess, and technological foundations that enabled his victory. Drawing from both historical sources—such as The Rare and Excellent History of Saladin by Baha ad-Din Ibn Shadd?d—and contemporary scholarship, it explores the unique leadership model exemplified by ?al??udd?n and contrasts it with the current condition of the Muslim world. His unity-driven strategy, grounded in Islamic ethics and pragmatism, stands in sharp contrast to today’s political fragmentation, economic dependency, and declining spiritual focus across much of the Muslim ummah. ?al??udd?n’s governance model emphasized justice (‘adl), consultation (sh?r?), equitable taxation, anti-corruption reforms, and military efficiency—all underpinned by a revivalist Islamic ethos. His ability to forge alliances across sectarian divides, strategically defeat the Crusader states, and inspire enduring loyalty among Muslims and even respect from Christians serves as a model of ethical and effective leadership. The thesis shows how his victories were made possible not just by military might, but by deep moral conviction and religious unification. In contrast, the modern Muslim world struggles with disunity, authoritarian regimes, underinvestment in education and defense, and a waning commitment to Islamic principles. Using prophetic hadiths—particularly those warning of materialism, abandonment of jihad, and love for the world—as interpretive lenses, this study links past causes of decline (such as the Ottoman Empire's collapse) with current patterns. It contends that true revival will require a return to sincere religious practice, intellectual renewal, and collective strategic vision. Contemporary demographic trends offer new opportunities. Based on Pew Research Center projections, Muslims are set to become the second-largest religious group in both the United States and Europe, and could globally surpass Christianity by mid-century. This demographic growth, if paired with ideological clarity and political reform, has the potential to translate into lasting geopolitical influence. Finally, the thesis turns to the current situation in Palestine and Israel. The decline in Israeli unity, a shrinking population for the first time post-2023, growing international condemnation, and U.S. public disapproval—especially among younger generations—signal that the Zionist state may face increasing isolation. When viewed in the light of Islamic history and current trends, the thesis concludes with hope: that the Muslim world, like in ?al??udd?n’s time, may soon unite to liberate Masjid Al-Aqsa, end the occupation of Palestine, and restore justice.
A critical analysis of Principilism through a Shari'ah-based medical ethics paradigm in a South African Context
(International Open University (IOU), 2025) Salie, Yusha; Sahib, Anwar
This study addresses a gap in the literature on Islamic medical ethics in South Africa, where there is a significant Muslim minority population. While the classical framework of principlism (beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy) is widely used, the current approach to Islamic legal verdicts in South Africa is often reactive and lacks standardization. Using secondary data, this research critically analyzes the compatibility of principlism with Shari'ah-based medical ethics and evaluates whether the latter can serve as a viable alternative for Muslim healthcare professionals. The analysis reveals that although principlism and Shari'ah-based ethics share some concerns, they differ in their foundational sources and moral priorities. The study concludes that principlism is only partially compatible with Islamic ethics and requires contextual adaptation. It argues that a systematically articulated and institutionally supported Shari'ah-based ethical paradigm can be a coherent alternative for Muslim practitioners in South Africa. This approach would help them balance their professional commitments to secular bioethics with their need to maintain Islamic moral integrity, ultimately enriching ethical deliberation and fostering culturally and religiously competent care.
Dynamics of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Between Reality and Prospects
(International Open University (IOU), 2025) Tifloen, Imraan; Hussain, Mujahid
The lofty aims and objectives embodied in the formation and charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was to safeguard and protect the Muslim Ummah, unite the Muslim world as a unified Ummah, to be the collective voice of the Muslim world and to promote international peace and harmony. Notwithstanding the successful achievements of the highly valued initiatives by the OIC and their member states in certain specific areas, supporting each other in their common interests and mutually beneficial interactions over the past 55 years, the key objectives of the attainment of stability in the Muslim world and the unification of the Ummah remains elusive. The analysis of the current trajectory the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is on vis-Ã -vis the reality of the state of things as they exist in the Muslim world opened several potential pathways to provide a solution for the unaccomplished initial objectives stated at the inauguration of the OIC. Moreover, the deliberations whether a redefined OIC with supranational powers and authority could raise the likelihood of an effective organization to safeguard and unite the Muslim Ummah presently and into the future gave rise to the abiding prospect of re-establishing the Caliphate in a more conceivable setting which already has 57 countries of which 48 are Muslim majority member countries in the intergovernmental organization of the OIC.