[LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION SKILLS AS CATALYSTS FOR EMPLOYABILITY OF GRADUATES IN ARABIC STUDIES AND ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION] KETERAMPILAN BAHASA DAN TERJEMAHAN SEBAGAI PEMANGKIN KEBOLEHPASARAN GRADUAN PENGAJIAN ARAB DAN TAMADUN ISLAM

Abstract

Abstrak

Kajian mengenai kebolehpasaran graduan semakin penting berikutan wujudnya jurang antara pencapaian akademik dengan keperluan sebenar pasaran kerja. Dalam konteks Program Pengajian Arab dan Tamadun Islam, penguasaan bahasa Arab serta kemahiran terjemahan merupakan antara kompetensi utama yang berpotensi meningkatkan kebolehpasaran graduan. Sehubungan itu, artikel ini bertujuan mengenal pasti kursus dan aktiviti berkaitan keterampilan bahasa dan terjemahan yang dilaksanakan bagi memperkukuh kebolehpasaran graduan, di samping menganalisis integrasi antara kurikulum akademik dan aktiviti sokongan dalam pembangunan kemahiran profesional pelajar. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis dokumen yang melibatkan Buku Panduan Prasiswazah Fakulti Pengajian Islam, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), serta laporan aktiviti pembangunan pelajar di peringkat universiti, fakulti dan program pengajian. Analisis meliputi kursus universiti, kursus wajib fakulti dan jabatan, kursus elektif, serta aktiviti sokongan seperti ceramah kerjaya, program Finishing School, lawatan industri, kem bahasa dan program pembangunan pelajar.Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa kurikulum yang komprehensif dan progresif, apabila disepadukan dengan aktiviti sokongan berorientasikan industri serta pembelajaran berasaskan pengalaman, mampu menyumbang secara signifikan kepada pembangunan kompetensi linguistik, kecekapan terjemahan dan kemahiran insaniah pelajar. Penguasaan bahasa Arab dan kemahiran terjemahan bukan sahaja menyokong kecemerlangan akademik, malah menjadi aset profesional yang meningkatkan daya saing graduan dalam pelbagai sektor pekerjaan seperti pendidikan, penterjemahan, komunikasi, media dan perkhidmatan antarabangsa. Kajian ini menegaskan kepentingan penyelarasan kurikulum dengan keperluan industri serta pengukuhan jaringan strategik antara institusi pendidikan dan pihak berkepentingan bagi melahirkan graduan yang lebih kompeten, adaptif dan berdaya saing. Keunikan kajian ini terletak pada analisis integratif antara kurikulum bahasa Arab, latihan terjemahan dan aktiviti sokongan berorientasikan industri dalam memperkasakan kebolehpasaran graduan bidang Pengajian Arab dan Tamadun Islam.

Kata kunci: Keterampilan Bahasa Arab; Keterampilan Terjemahan; Kebolehpasaran Graduan;Kurikulum; Pengajian Arab dan Tamadun Islam.

Abstract

Graduate employability has become an increasingly important issue due to the growing gap between academic achievement and the actual demands of the labour market. In the context of the Arabic Studies and Islamic Civilization Programme, proficiency in the Arabic language and translation skills is among the key competencies that have the potential to enhance graduates’ employability. Therefore, this article aims to identify the courses and activities related to language and translation competencies that are implemented to strengthen graduate employability while also examining the integration of academic curricula and supporting activities in the development of students’ professional skills. This study adopts a qualitative approach through document analysis involving the Undergraduate Handbook of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), as well as reports on student development activities at the university, faculty, and programme levels. The analysis covers university courses, compulsory faculty and departmental courses, elective courses, and supporting activities such as career talks, Finishing School programmes, industrial visits, language camps, and student development programmes. The findings reveal that a comprehensive and progressive curriculum, when integrated with industry-oriented supporting activities and experiential learning approaches, contributes significantly to the development of students’ linguistic competence, translation proficiency, and soft skills. Mastery of the Arabic language and translation skills not only supports academic excellence but also serves as a professional asset that enhances graduates’ competitiveness across various employment sectors, including education, translation, communication, media, and international services.This study highlights the importance of aligning academic curricula with industry needs and strengthening strategic networks between educational institutions and stakeholders in order to produce graduates who are more competent, adaptable, and competitive. The uniqueness of this study lies in its integrative analysis of Arabic language curricula, translation training, and industry-oriented supporting activities in enhancing the employability of graduates in the field of Arabic Studies and Islamic Civilization.

Keywords: Arabic Language Proficiency; Translation Skills; Graduate Employability; Curriculum; Arabic Studies and Islamic Civilization.