The Post Graduate Department of Arabic at the University of Kashmir was established in 1980 with a vision to cater to the cultural, educational, and intellectual needs of society, and to contribute to its broader socio-economic development. Since its inception, the department has been committed to promoting the Arabic language and its rich literary and cultural heritage among students and scholars.

In its early phase, the department introduced two significant programmes — the Post Graduate Diploma in Modern Spoken Arabic and the Certificate Course in Modern Spoken Arabic — with the primary aim of equipping students with practical communication skills in Arabic and enhancing their employability in various professional fields such as diplomacy, translation, media, education, and tourism. These skill-based courses were designed to meet the growing demand for Arabic language professionals at national and international levels.

In the same foundational year, the department launched the Master of Arts (M.A.) programme in Arabic Language and Literature, offering students an opportunity to engage in advanced study of Arabic language, classical and modern literature, and allied subjects. This programme has since remained a cornerstone of the department's academic activities, producing graduates with deep linguistic and literary competence.

Recognizing the need for advanced research and scholarly inquiry, the department expanded its academic horizon by introducing research programmes leading to M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in Arabic in 1983. These research programmes were initiated to promote and facilitate in-depth studies and critical research in diverse areas such as Arabic language and linguistics, classical and contemporary Arabic literature, comparative literature, Arab history, culture, and civilization, thus contributing significantly to the academic enrichment of the field.

Over the years, the department has played a pivotal role in fostering academic excellence, nurturing research culture, and producing a cadre of scholars, educators, and professionals who continue to contribute meaningfully to society at various levels.

 

MISSION:
The Department of Arabic aims to:

  • Deliver High-Quality Education: Provide top-tier academic training in modern Arabic language, focusing on both linguistic proficiency and deep cultural understanding.
  • Develop Practical Communication Skills: Equip students with strong communication, translation, and interpretation skills, making them capable of engaging with the Arab world’s modern socio-political and economic landscape.
  • Promote Global Relevance: Prepare students to navigate and contribute to global dialogues, recognizing the geo-political and economic significance of the Arab world.
  • Foster Research and Innovation: Encourage critical thinking and research excellence by creating a stimulating environment for academic growth and scholarly contributions to the field of Arabic studies.

 

CORE VALUES:

Academic Excellence:

  • Commitment to providing high-quality education in Arabic language, literature, and culture.
  • Encouraging critical thinking, research, and scholarly contributions in the field of Arabic studies.

Research and Innovation:

  • Promoting research in Modern and Classical Arabic Literature, Translation Studies, and Arabic Linguistics.
  • Encouraging interdisciplinary studies and comparative literature approaches.

Cultural and Linguistic Enrichment:

  • Enhancing the understanding of Arab heritage, history, and linguistic traditions.
  • Organizing seminars, workshops, and cultural programs to bridge historical and contemporary Arabic studies.

Ethical and Moral Integrity:

  • Upholding academic honesty, respect for diverse perspectives, and ethical research practices.
  • Instilling values of responsibility, discipline, and professionalism in students and faculty.

Inclusivity and Global Outreach:

  • Encouraging collaboration with national and international institutions for academic exchange.
  • Providing equal learning opportunities regardless of socio-economic backgrounds.

Skill Development and Employability:

  • Offering courses that enhance students' proficiency in Arabic for careers in translation, teaching, and research.
  • Equipping students with practical skills for professional growth in academia, media, and the corporate sector.

 

 



Vision

The Department of Arabic envisions:

  • Becoming a National Center of Excellence: Striving to be recognized at the international level for its contributions to the study and teaching of Arabic language and literature.
  • Preserving Arab Cultural Heritage: Serving as a hub for preserving the rich cultural and literary traditions of the Arab world, ensuring their continued relevance and understanding in contemporary academia.
  • Promoting Arabic Language and Literature: Acting as a custodian of the richness and diversity of the Arabic language, fostering its study and encouraging the production of original research and literary works.
  • Bridging Cultures through Knowledge: Facilitating cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the Arab world and the broader global community through academic excellence and research.