About Language Teaching at Zahra Institute
Zahra Institute is dedicated to promoting the study and understanding of the Kurdish language and culture. We understand that teaching Kurdish poses serious challenges due to its status as a less commonly taught language (LCTL). Pedagogically effective, peer-reviewed instructional materials are scarce, as are high-quality printed and online language materials, and relatively few instructors are formally trained in language education or language teaching pedagogy. Our program aims to address the challenges associated with teaching Kurdish as a foreign language and a heritage language in the US by providing high-quality language instruction and authentic, comprehensive instructional materials.
As the only institution in the United States specializing in the field of Kurdish language teaching, assessment, and research, ZI overcomes these challenges by implementing a combination of both standards-based and needs-based instruction. This approach ensures that the learning outcomes meet the language proficiency standards identified in the field and also address the specific needs of our students. Our language program is built on the key principles of the Communicative Approach following a Backward Design model. In this model, language teaching begins by identifying and defining the demonstrable and measurable learning outcomes. To define these outcomes, our program uses the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines, the most widely used proficiency guidelines for language learning in higher education. This instructional approach and design ensure a learner-centered program and a strong alignment between outcomes, assessments, and curricula.
At ZI, our instructors have strong linguistics and language pedagogy backgrounds. They have extensive experience teaching language courses at different proficiency levels, including Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels. Recognizing the importance of cultural immersion in language learning, our instructors provide opportunities for learners to engage with authentic cultural materials and activities through the integration of literature, music, films, and guest speakers.