Who Are We?... By JAFLI Commandant, COL. Hassan Almaaitah The Jordan
Armed Forces Language Institute, known as JAFLI, is the biggest and oldest military
language training school where (11) languages are being taught to JAF
affiliates. JAFLI is not only offering language training but also language
proficiency evaluation, and translation services upon JAF request in the
languages being taught. Depending on qualified staff and adopting teaching
methodologies that incorporate theory and practice, JAFLI has managed
successfully to execute the assigned duties and has been able to gain a
prominent academic status at the national level. Approaching its golden
jubilee, JAFLI continues to progress steadily and meritoriously toward its
mission to qualify JAF personnel in different languages. In addition to
English, which is the most desired language in JAF, we have other 7 languages
choices; French, German, Turkish, Chinese, Spanish & Hebrew, and Arabic
for non-native Arabic students. Not only the above-mentioned languages,
but there are other 3 bespoke languages: Russian, Greek and Farsi. Our courses are updated and correspond with Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR, American Council on the Teaching of
Foreign Languages ACTFL & newly the NATO STANAG 6001. JAFLI runs a wide
range of courses at different levels which combine military and general
cultural aspects. One of the main tasks of JAFLI now and in
the future is improving teaching Arabic for Non-Native Speakers qualitatively
and quantitatively. Various levels of Arabic language courses in are offered to
participants from more than 20 countries. These course offerings substantially
facilitate the promotion of the Arabic Language and culture as well as
enhancing cross-cultural interaction in a world through which language
acquisition has become the most effective means to exchange expertise and
benefit from other nations' experiences. As a
member of the Partnership Training and Education Centers (PTEC) and BILC community,
I am pleased to be able to accompany this challenging task in my function as
JAFLI commandant.