Our story

The Faculty of Languages is one of the most prominent faculties at the Somali National University. It offers a range of modern languages, equipping students with scientific competencies and specialized skills necessary for success in the field of languages. These skills enhance students’ career prospects in today’s globalized world. The faculty plays a vital role as an educational hub, preparing students for language proficiency to pursue their academic specializations and providing professional language training for university staff.

Historical Background

The Faculty of Languages was established in 1981 with three departments:

• Middle Eastern Languages
• European Languages
• African Languages

Two strategies guided the development of these departments:

• A short-term strategy, focused on initiating instruction in currently needed and widely used languages.
• A long-term strategy, designed to expand the faculty in alignment with national priorities and societal needs.

The Arabic Language Department was the first to be established, while the Persian and Hebrew departments were designated for future development. During the same period, the English, French, and Italian departments were established, while Spanish, German, and Russian were deferred as part of the long-term plan.

In the African Languages Department, the Somali Language was prioritized. Other widely spoken African languages such as Swahili, Amharic, Fulani, Yoruba, Xhosa, and Zulu were deferred for future expansion.

The faculty also offered language development courses for students who needed to improve their proficiency before enrolling in specialized faculties, as well as for university staff and professionals seeking to enhance their language skills while in service.

From its inception until the fall of the central government in 1991, Professor Dahabo Farah served as Dean. In her absence, departmental heads deputized according to seniority and academic qualifications.

Former Department Heads

• Arabic Language: Prof Abdirsak Hussein Hassan
• English Language: Prof. Mahmoud Youssef
• French Language: Prof. Saida (succeeded by Mohamed Moalin)
• Italian Language: Prof. Abdullah Omar Mansour
• Somali Language: Prof. Issa Mohamed Siyad

The faculty maintained strong ties with Italy, supported by a joint Technical Committee for Faculty Development. It received both financial and technical assistance from the European Union (then the European Common Market), through the Italian government.

A faculty council—comprising the Dean, department heads, and select deputy lecturers—oversaw major decisions, including graduation ceremonies, the annual budget, teaching assistant appointments, and faculty recruitment.

Before the collapse of the central government in 1991, the Faculty of Languages was one of the most prestigious faculties at Somali National University. It graduated numerous diplomats, politicians, public servants, and civil society leaders. The university is now working to restore this proud legacy.

Table 1: Departmental Plans Prior to 1991

Re-establishment of the Faculty (2022)

The Faculty of Languages was re-established in 2022 after a 30-year hiatus. Its relaunch builds upon its original departments. Due to financial constraints and a shortage of specialized language experts, the faculty initially began with three core languages—English, Arabic, and Somali—as part of an immediate national strategy responding to current societal needs.

The European Languages Department and African Languages Department retained their original names and now offer English and Somali, respectively.

The Middle Eastern Languages Department has been renamed the Eastern Languages Department, with plans to gradually include:

• Turkish
• Chinese
• Malay
• Urdu
  

These languages were selected based on their global significance, economic impact, and historical or cultural ties with Somali society. Persian and Hebrew were excluded from foreseeable plans due to limited national or societal relevance.

Long-Term Expansion Plans

• European Languages Department: Italian, German, Russian, Spanish, French
• African Languages Department: Swahili, Amharic, Fulani, Yoruba, Xhosa, Zulu

Table 2: 2022 Proposed Plans

Vision

To be a pioneer in the field of living languages and to build bridges between Somali culture and the cultures and civilizations of the world.

Mission

To provide high-quality education and training in languages by cultivating academic skills, research capabilities, intellectual growth, and creativity. The faculty aims to produce language specialists and researchers who contribute to and serve the linguistic needs of Somali society and beyond.

Aims

• To prepare graduates with specialized knowledge and skills in various languages.
• To equip students with strong language proficiency, enabling them to interpret and analyze texts and engage meaningfully with global cultures.
• To advance scientific research and publications in language studies.
• To meet labor market demands with professionals who are both competent and ethical.
• To foster a creative and knowledge-rich academic environment that respects and preserves Somali cultural values.
• To provide technical and linguistic consultation services to the local community.

Departments Opened in Academic Year 2022

Arabic Language Department

Vision: To promote Arabic as a widely used and professionally mastered language among diplomats, officials, translators, and other professionals.

English Language Department
Vision: To establish English as one of the most essential languages for researchers, public servants, diplomats, and professionals in related fields.

Initial Enrollment

The Faculty has begun implementation gradually, with an initial intake of 80 students (two classes) in the Arabic and English departments for the 2022 academic year as a pilot program.

Department of Somali Language (Opening in 2023)

Vision: To preserve Somali society’s rich history, culture, and heritage through the development and promotion of the Somali language, strengthening its local presence and showcasing its importance at regional and international levels.

Centre for Foreign Languages and Its Role

The Faculty includes a Centre for Foreign Languages, which offers instruction in languages for which specialized departments have not yet been established. This center serves:

• Students interested in studying other languages not currently offered as majors.
• Students preparing to join faculties that require a certain level of language proficiency.
• Professionals seeking to improve their language skills while in service.

The center operates across six levels, focusing on core language skills. Courses are offered periodically based on demand.