The Department of English Language and Translation at the College of Arts and Social Sciences hosted the 13th Student Conference on Language, Linguistics, Literature, and Translation. The annual event provided a platform for students to engage in scholarly discussions, present their research, and explore diverse linguistic and literary themes.

The conference commenced with an opening ceremony attended by Prof. Hussein bin Ali Al-Kharousi, Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Community Service, Dr. Nabhan bin Harith Al-Harrasi, Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, and a number of academics and students. Their presence underscored the significance of the event in fostering academic growth and intellectual exchange among students and faculty members.

The first keynote speaker, Prof. Janet Watson, a visiting researcher in linguistics, delivered an insightful presentation on language diversity in Oman. She highlighted the richness of Mehri, Shehret, and Harsusi, examining their lexical complexity, cultural significance, and linguistic structures. Her discussion covered aspects such as the division of the colour palette, figurative and formulaic expressions, and the intricate relationship between nature, culture, and metaphor within these languages.

Following the keynote session, attendees explored the student exhibition, which featured an array of poster presentations showcasing innovative research in the fields of language and translation. The exhibition provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage in academic discussions and exchange ideas with peers and faculty members.

A special panel was then dedicated to poetry for Palestine, where a group of students performed thought-provoking pieces reflecting themes of resilience, identity, and cultural heritage. This segment of the event was met with great appreciation, highlighting the role of literature in advocating for social and historical consciousness.

The second keynote speaker, Mr. Badr bin Saud Al-Qassabi, addressed the audience with an engaging talk on translation and entrepreneurship, further enriching the academic discourse of the conference. His presentation served as a bridge to the subsequent oral presentations delivered by participating students. These presentations covered a wide array of topics related to translation, linguistics, and the arts, demonstrating the depth and breadth of student research.

The 13th Student Conference on Language, Linguistics, Literature, and Translation successfully upheld its tradition of academic excellence, providing students with an invaluable platform to showcase their research and engage in meaningful discussions. The event reaffirmed the Department of English and Translation’s commitment to fostering intellectual inquiry and supporting the academic aspirations of its students.