Languages Taught
To meet regional, professional and international language needs, the International Language Center (CIDL) offers the following languages:
1. French: The official language of many West African countries, French is essential for official exchanges, studies and business in the region.
2. English: As an international language, English is essential for access to global opportunities, higher education, and business relations in and outside the region.
3. Arabic: With growing importance in West Africa, particularly in Muslim-majority countries, Arabic is essential for culture, religion and economic relations with the Arab world.
4. Spanish: Increasingly popular, particularly in Mauritania, Senegal and Ivory Coast, due to growing relations with Spain and Latin America, Spanish is an asset for linguistic diversification.
5. Mandarin (Chinese): The growing Chinese presence in Africa, in trade and investment, makes Mandarin a strategic language for professional opportunities.
6. Portuguese: Spoken in some neighboring countries (notably Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau), Portuguese is useful for sub-regional exchanges and cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries.
7. National and regional languages (Wolof, Peul/Fulfulde, Bambara, Hausa): The teaching of some local languages would also be beneficial to strengthen cultural inclusiveness and promote linguistic diversity in the region.
8. Turkish language: Its importance is mainly due to the growing political, economic and cultural influence of Turkey in the sub-region in recent years.
Course levels
The International Centre for Languages (CIDL) adopts the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Designed by the Council of Europe, the CEFR has become a global reference due to its clarity, adaptability and usefulness in assessing and standardizing language skills. It is divided into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency), each specifying comprehension, oral expression and writing skills.
Here is an overview of the six CEFR levels and their main characteristics:
1. A1 (Beginner): Ability to understand and use basic everyday expressions and simple sentences to meet practical needs. The learner can introduce him/herself and ask simple personal questions.
2. A2 (Elementary): Ability to communicate in everyday and simple situations. The learner can discuss familiar topics and express basic needs.
3. B1 (Intermediate): Sufficient competence to understand the main points of familiar topics and manage everyday situations encountered in travel or work contexts.
4. B2 (Advanced Intermediate): Ability to understand the complex content of technical or specialized texts, and to interact with a certain degree of ease in spontaneous conversations.
5. C1 (Advanced): Competence to use the language effectively for complex professional, academic, or social needs. The learner can understand long texts and express his or her ideas in a fluent and structured manner.
6. C2 (Proficiency): Highest level, where the learner is able to effortlessly understand any type of text or conversation, even subtle ones, and to express his or her ideas accurately in complex situations.
Teaching methods at CIDL
To meet the diverse needs of learners, the International Language Center (CIDL) adopts a combination of teaching methods and modalities.
Here are some of the teaching methods often used at CIDL:
1. Communicative approach:
o Description: This method focuses on the practical use of the language, encouraging learners to interact realistically in a variety of situations.
o Advantages: It develops oral skills and self-confidence. Learners acquire a more natural understanding of the language in social and professional contexts.
2. Language immersion:
o Description: Classes are taught entirely in the target language, even for beginners, to promote total immersion.
o Advantages: Learners get used to thinking and expressing themselves directly in the target language, which accelerates their mastery.
3. Action-oriented method:
o Description: Inspired by the CEFR, this method focuses on practical tasks and projects that learners might encounter in everyday or professional life.
o Advantages: It allows learners to develop concrete skills and feel more autonomous. This approach is particularly useful for adult learners with professional needs.
4. Blended Learning:
o Description: A combination of face-to-face and online courses, offering classroom sessions with independent work, interactive exercises, and multimedia content.
o Advantages: Flexibility and the ability to personalize learning. Learners can access resources and content at their own pace and at their own convenience.
5. Online and Distance Learning:
o Description: Courses are entirely online, allowing learners to study from anywhere, often via interactive platforms.
o Advantages: Accessibility and adaptability for remote learners. Modern platforms allow for real-time interactive exchanges, and recordings can be used for review.
6. Project-Based Learning:
o Description: Learners work on real or simulated projects (e.g., creating a presentation, a report, etc.) that require the use of the target language.
o Advantages: This approach makes learning more meaningful and motivates learners to develop specific skills while practicing in real-world situations.
7. Cultural and Thematic Immersion Workshops:
o Description: Integrating courses that include cultural aspects such as cooking, music, or cinema into the target language.
o Advantages: Enriches learning by providing a cultural context that helps understand the nuances of the language. These workshops also stimulate learners’ interest in the culture.
8. Conversation Groups and Language Exchanges:
o Description: Small group conversation sessions or pairings with native speakers to practice in a friendly setting.
o Advantages: Improves interaction skills and provides a natural setting for practice. Language exchanges also promote cultural exchange.
9. Specialized Modules (Business Language, Technical Language, etc.):
o Description: Courses designed for specific needs such as Business English, Legal French, or Medical Spanish.
o Advantages: Ideal for professionals who have specific objectives. This makes learning relevant and aligned with the needs of the job market.
10. Continuous monitoring and evaluation:
o Description: Regular assessment of progress and personalized feedback to adjust learning according to the strengths and weaknesses of the learners.
o Advantages: This modality ensures that each learner evolves in a balanced way, while making adjustments if necessary.