ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the benefits of implementing the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale for Arabic language teaching at university level and the process that such implementation entails. It starts with an introduction to the framework and its development as well as its principles for application to non-European languages. The chapter then presents the rationale behind adopting the CEFR for Arabic and reviews the current attempts for implementing it. A review of the presented attempts to use the CEFR for Arabic whether in creating a curriculum or a testing framework shows a number of limitations that question the credibility of these attempts in following the main principles of the CEFR. The chapter presents important background information regarding the CEFR and the principles and the components that are ought to be considered when implementing the framework for Arabic. It concludes with suggestions for research directions that would support the creation of an objective and a comprehensive CEFR for Arabic.