Cloes

Department's History 

In recognition of the importance of languages as a mean of communication among nations, the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces, represented by JAFLI, established the Hebrew Language Department in 1984. The purpose of its establishment was to allow students to access a cultural, linguistic, and military environment, relying on the four skills defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). So far, over 75 courses in Hebrew language have been held, graduating over 800 officers, 600 NCOs at the Basic level, 70 officers at the advanced level, and 25 officers from the Hebrew language translation course. The department has also received officers and NCOs from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt in its various courses.

 

Courses and Assessment 

Basic courses for Hebrew language are held at all levels (on average twice a year), with the possibility of holding intermediate, advanced courses, upon request. The department receives approximately 15 officers and non-commissioned officers from various branches of the Jordan Armed Forces - the Arab Army and the security services for a period of 23 weeks, with a total of 690 hours, at a rate of 6 study hours per day. The curriculum "Hebrew on the Way" (עברית לדרך) is taught in the Hebrew Language Department, which is one of the newest curricula used to teach Hebrew to Arabic speakers. It covers levels A1-A2 for the basic course and level B1 for the advanced course. Additionally, there is a specific curriculum for the translation course, and visual and audio materials are utilized, incorporating the latest modern teaching methods. 

Students' level of linguistic comprehension is assessed through periodic written exams, listening exams and oral exams, interviews are conducted to measure the student's acquisition of basic language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) which are in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) exams.

 

Coordination and cooperation 

The aim of maintaining contact is to build bridges between the Hebrew Language Department and international institutes and meet their needs. There is a Teachers’ Exchange Program between JAFLI and the language institute of the Egyptian Armed Forces. This program aims to enrich knowledge, exchange expertise, and achieve higher professionalism by benefiting from shared experiences.