The initiative comes in alignment with Lughati's objectives to empower students through learning Arabic language skills and promoting Arabic as a culture and behaviour in all walks of their lives. 

Lughati Cup 2016 is being organised as part of Lughati's first participation at the Sharjah International Book Fair, now in its 35th edition, which takes place from November 2-12 at Expo Centre Sharjah. The competition targets second grade students in all public schools in the Emirate of Sharjah. 

Badria Al Ali, Manager of Lughati initiative, said, "Through Lughati Cup 2016 we are seeking to enrich the overall linguistic skills for second grade students. The competition was devised to develop students' language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing, to endear the Arabic language to them and to motivate them to use it in their everyday lives." 

She added, "We are breaking away from the traditional methods normally used in Arabic language competitions and instead utilising smart methods and modern technology, with the aim of creating a fun-filled, competitive environment for students to promote their innovation and creativity. We wish all the participants the best of luck." 

The organising committee of Lughati Cup 2016 has established the entry criteria for the competition, with the rules stipulating that participation should be on behalf of the school and that each school should choose the best three students in Arabic from their second grade classes. Lughati Cup 2016 is a team-based competition, with teams from all public schools in the Emirate of Sharjah eligible to compete their way to the final round. 

The competition's judging panel will be approved by the Ministry of Education. In making its deliberations, the panel will take into account considerations that include fluency, efficiency, pronunciation, understanding, proper expression and commitment to simple yet standard Arabic. 

The competition's organising committee has dedicated cash prizes for the winners. First place winners will receive the Lughati Cup 2016, as well as a cash prize worth AED 10,000. Second place winners will be awarded AED 7,000, while the third place winner will be given AED 5,000. All students and supervisors participating in the competition will receive certificates of appreciation. Winners will be announced on the final day of the competition; Thursday, November 10, 2016. 

The initiative to support Arabic language learning in Sharjah's schools using new technology was launched by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in 2013. It was one of the initiatives that aimed to develop the educational sector in the emirate and to preserve and endear the Arabic language to students by incorporating modern methods into the learning process. 

Taking a new identity, the initiative to support smart Arabic language learning was rebranded as Lughati initiative and approved by the Ruler of Sharjah in January 2016. 

The Lughati smart learning initiative is designed to build a knowledge-based society and advance education in the emirate by encouraging students to apply Arabic in attaining cultural, social and economic knowledge, thereby boosting their personal capabilities and enhancing the usage of the Arabic language. 

Source: WAM