Melissa Towler

Profile

I am currently working as the UK country-level Co-Investigator for the International Institute of Education (IIE) in their Qatar Foundation International (QFI) funded survey of Arabic language programs (SALP) research project. Previously, I was a Postdoctoral Researcher for the University of Leeds on a QFI-funded project investigating schoolteachers’ beliefs about teaching Arabic varieties (2022–2023). I have also contributed to projects examining Arabic language teaching for the British Academy (2018) and the British Council (2016).

From 2016 to 2019, I taught in the English Language Department at the University of Winchester, where I also developed and delivered beginner-level Arabic lessons for second-year students. These lessons featured a multiglossic approach, teaching the alphabet phonetically and introducing the Iraqi variety of Arabic. I designed the syllabus and materials independently, and the sessions received highly positive student feedback. This experience has given me hands-on expertise in creating and implementing Arabic language curricula.

I earned my PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Winchester (2021), focusing on the teaching of spoken Arabic at higher education institutions (HEIs) in England. My thesis used a mixed-methods approach to explore the integration of regional varieties into undergraduate curricula. I also hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGCert) from the University of Winchester (2016), an MA in Translation Studies and Interpreting (Arabic) from the University of Leeds (2011), and a BA (Hons) in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Leeds (2010).

Research interests

Arabic Applied Linguistics with a focus on:

• Multiglossia
• Translanguaging
• Learners’ and teachers’ perspectives
• Language attitudes
• Teacher development
• Arabic language variation in the HE curriculum
• Teaching and learning Arabic in UK schools

Publications
•    Towler, M. (2024) ‘Language Variation on Arabic Undergraduate Degree Courses in England: Students’ Perspectives.’ The Language Learning Journal. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571736.2024.2351938
•    Soliman, R. & Towler, M. (2023) Investigating and Responding to Teachers’ Beliefs of the Integration of Variation in Arabic School Teaching. New York: Qatar Foundation International 
•    The British Academy (2018) Language Mapping Pilot Project: Arabic Language Provision in the UK. The British Academy: London.
•    Soliman, R., Towler, M., & Snowden, E. (2016) Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language in the UK: Strand 1 Research: How Arabic is being taught in schools. London: The British Council.

Teaching Materials
•    Soliman, R. & Towler, M. (2023) Guidelines for Integrating Regional Dialect Variation in the Arabic Classroom and Curriculum. New York: Qatar Foundation International

Conference Papers
•    Soliman, R. & Towler, M. (2024) ‘UK Arabic Schoolteachers’ Perceptions of Including Dialectal Variation in their Classrooms.’ The 4th Biennial Conference on Arabic Language Teaching & Learning in Higher Education. 18th April 2024, Cambridge University.  
•    Soliman, R. & Towler, M. (2024) ‘Arabic as a Heritage Language: Issues and Approaches.’ The Language Center Conference. 24th-26th February 2024, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies.
•    Towler, M. (2022) ‘Bridging the Gap between Student Expectations and the Role of the University: Choosing to Learn About Arabic.’ Paper presented at the BATA 2nd Annual International Conference. 30th June – 1st July 2022. University of Westminster.
•    Launch of the British Academy Arabic Language Mapping Project. 25th May 2018. The British Academy, 
•    Towler, M. (2017) ’Trapped between MSA and Everyday Tasks: Arabic at UK HEIs.’ Paper presented at the Arabic Language Teaching & Learning in UK Higher Education Conference. 28 March 2017. University of Leeds.
•    Soliman, R. & Towler, M. (2017) ‘Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language in UK Schools: How Arabic is Taught.’ Paper presented at the Arabic Research Dissemination Event. 6 March 2017. The British Council, London.
•    British Council Arabic Roundtable Discussion. 21 March 2016. The British Council, London.

Positions of Responsibility
•    Journal of Arabic Sociolinguistics, Member of the Editorial Board, 2023-present
 

Qualifications

• PhD in Arabic Applied Linguistics - University of Winchester
• PGCert Engaging Students in Learning - University of Winchester
• MA Translation Studies and Interpreting - University of Leeds
• BA (Hons) Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies - University of Leeds

Professional memberships

• Higher Education Academy - Associate Fellow

Student education

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