Through April 19-21, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved with the inception of the inaugural U.S. Universities Arabic Midwest Debate Championship at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The event was coordinated by the Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTL) Program and the Arabic Language Program in collaboration with the U.S. Arabic Debate Union and many on-campus cosponsors. Leading the organizing efforts were Dr. Eman Saadah (Teaching Associate Professor), Shireen Aydogan (Molecular and Cellular Biology, Arabic Studies Minor) and Nareen Aydogan (Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Arabic Studies Minor). Over several months they dedicated themselves to ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for all participants.
The championship brought 10 Midwest Arabic debate teams together for a chance to qualify at the National Championship next year, as well as 15 Arabic debate judges. In the debate rounds, each team is presented with a proposition and given 20 minutes to prepare their arguments before presenting. Hosting top teams from leading Midwestern universities provided ample opportunities for our students to network and nurture essential skills, enriching students’ knowledge and critical thinking ability in the Arabic language. These activities also drew the attention of various academic and debate communities, especially within the U.S., while promoting inclusivity, fostering educational enrichment, facilitating cultural exchange, and nurturing leadership.
In the competition, UIUC emerged as a standout team, as they were the only team to win all three of their debate rounds. This accomplishment earned them a place in the Grand Final against Indiana University, where they secured the runner-up title. The team consisted of four exceptional debaters including Shireen Aydogan (Molecular and Cellular Biology, Arabic Studies Minor), Hedaya Hassanein (Political Science and Psychology, Arabic Studies Minor), Majd Alahmed (Civil Engineering), and Omar Abdallah (Accounting, EALC Minor) who all demonstrated remarkable skill and teamwork throughout the event.
See highlights from the debate on the Arabic Program’s Instagram (@arabicuiuc2.0), here.
Departmental Co-sponsors included
School of Literatures, Languages, and Linguistics
Illinois International Program
Women & Gender in Global Perspectives Program
