Dr. Hossam Elsherbiny holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics with a subfocus in Contrastive Linguistics. His scholarly work focuses on Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Sociolinguistics, Arabic Political Discourse, Translanguaging, and Media Arabic. Currently serving as the Associate Director of the Center for Languages and Intercultural Communication (CLIC), Dr. Elsherbiny works closely with faculty to ensure academic excellence across language programs and develop innovative course offerings.
Prior to joining Rice University, Dr. Elsherbiny taught Arabic language, Translation Studies, and Sociolinguistics at the University of Minnesota and the University of Ain Shams. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including L2 Journal (University of California Berkeley Press) and the Journal of The National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages (NCOLCTL).
Dr. Elsherbiny's scholarly work has been supported by numerous grants and awards, including grants from the Brown Teaching Fund, the Humanities Research Center, and awards from the Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning and the Creative Ventures Fund. A Certified Oral Proficiency Tester by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), Dr. Elsherbiny's work investigates the integration of the ACTFL proficiency guidelines into the language curriculum, particularly as it pertains to Arabic multiglossia.
Dr. Elsherbiny is the recipient of The Best International Translation Award from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and The Certificate of Teaching Excellence from the University of Minnesota.
Recent Course Offerings:
ARAB 354: Critical Analysis of Media Arabic
Books:
Elsherbiny, H., Galal, I., Amer, R., & Abulmakarem, G. (2017). Al-Motargem, Arabic Dictionary of Politics. Osiris Publishing House, Cairo.
Elsherbiny, H., Cartolano, C., & Moatez, H. (2015). 'O scarfalietto' (E. Scarpetta, Trans.). Dar Merit Publishing House, Cairo. (Original work published 1881).
Latest Peer-reviewed Articles:
Elsherbiny, H. A. (2025). Reconceptualizing the role of L1 in second language pedagogy. L2 Journal: An Open Access Refereed Journal for World Language Educators, 17(1), 1-10.