logo
SALA highlights global initiatives to serve Arabic at ADIBF

SALA highlights global initiatives to serve Arabic at ADIBF

Sharjah 2428-04-2025

This participation is part of the academy's ongoing efforts to raise the Arabic language's profile in the global intellectual arena and to highlight its notable initiatives.
These efforts reflect the goal of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as well as the Academy's Supreme President, to serve, preserve, and propagate the Arabic language across generations.
Reference for scholars, researchers, and historians
Speaking during the event, Dr Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, said:
"The Academy's attendance at ADIBF provides a glimpse into the greatest linguistic and civilizational endeavor long awaited by the Arab nation: the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. This encyclopaedic treasure is a brilliant scientific lighthouse, lighting corners of the world and serving as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and historians from various disciplines."
He went on to say, "Through our participation in cultural gatherings and forums, we strive to unveil the initiatives and projects driven by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a leader dedicated to expanding the reach and strengthening the prestige of the Arabic language among the world's languages. Sharjah is becoming a global destination for linguists and a blazing beacon for those seeking the lost glories and hidden gems of Arabic."
Programmes designed for international Arabic learners
During the exhibition, SALA introduces visitors from all walks of life to its most prominent cultural and research projects. Among these are the Scientific Councils, which bring together the most prominent Arabic language scholars from around the Arab world and beyond. The Academy also emphasises its international participation in conferences and linguistic forums across continents, which aim to broaden Arabic's influence and consolidate its position as a language of science, culture, and identity.
The academy's pavilion also highlights its specific training courses for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, which have drawn hundreds of students and scholars from top universities around the world recently. Furthermore, the academy highlights its contributions to regional initiatives aiming to improve Arabic content and develop long-term reading habits. The event coincides with the opening of the Year of the Community in the UAE, as well as the first phase of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre's Community Campaign for Reading.
Beacon for Arabic language aficionados
The SALA pavilion provides a dynamic venue for researchers, scholars, and Arabic language aficionados to closely examine Sharjah's pioneering efforts in building sophisticated research and information tools for Arabic. The Historical Dictionary, for example, is one of the major lexicographical endeavours in the Arabic language's modern history.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

AUB Press Hosts Dr. Ramzi Baalbaki at the 66th Beirut Arab International Book Fair: 'The Arabic Language: Its History, Present, and Future'
AUB Press Hosts Dr. Ramzi Baalbaki at the 66th Beirut Arab International Book Fair: 'The Arabic Language: Its History, Present, and Future'

Web Release

time11 hours ago

  • Web Release

AUB Press Hosts Dr. Ramzi Baalbaki at the 66th Beirut Arab International Book Fair: 'The Arabic Language: Its History, Present, and Future'

As part of its participation in the 66th Beirut Arab International Book Fair, AUB Press hosted a discussion titled 'The Arabic language: Its History, Present, and Future' featuring renowned Arabic Language professor Ramzi Baalbaki in conversation with Malek Chaker and Amina Sleiman. The event was supported by the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Chair and organized in collaboration with the Center for Arts and Humanities at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The discussion touched upon various topics related to the Arabic language. Baalbaki spoke about the history of Arabic and its emergence before the revelation of the Qur'an, highlighting its presence in Arabic poetry and popular proverbs (ahadith). He explained how, by the time of the Qur'an's revelation, the Arabic corpus had become rich and well-established, with its collection largely ceasing by the end of the second Hijri century. Linguists then engaged with this corpus, bringing to light its morphological and syntactic features—particularly its patterns (awz?n). In this context, Baalbaki pointed out the distinctive differences that set Arabic apart from its sister Semitic languages as well as from foreign languages. Baalbaki also spoke about his new book Mukawimat al-Nazariyah al-Lughawwiya al-Arabiyya, in which he demonstrated the coherence of the linguistic theory and the comprehensiveness of its components. This, he argued, highlights the uniqueness of the Arabic language and the elements of wisdom embedded in its structures and morphological patterns. He compared this theory with scientific theories—specifically, the theory of dimensions in physics—to affirm the validity of the linguistic framework established by early grammarians. Through this, they provided explanations for every structure, and thus the term ghar?b (the obscure or unusual) in the language emerged. The discussion also touched on the relationship between Classical Arabic and the various colloquial dialects. Baalbaki emphasized the strong connection between them, refuting any notion of conflict or hostility, as each borrows certain words and structures from the other. The conversation addressed the current state of the Arabic language and its place among its native speakers. Baalbaki pointed to the number of Arabic speakers and the language's presence on social media, expressing concern over the weakening use of Arabic among its speakers and their tendency to resort to foreign languages to express their ideas. Therefore, he offered some advice on how to preserve the language—especially within academia. The event was attended by political and social figures, as well as a number of linguists and scholars of the humanities from various Arab countries. The discussion was rich and full of insights that inspire a love for the Arabic language and reveal the depths of its genius and its ability to convey meaning with remarkable precision through carefully chosen words. It also showcased a range of syntactic structures that are unique to Arabic. Visit AUB Press on YouTube to watch the full discussion.

‘Kibriyaa': Arabic word for grandeur balances pride and humility
‘Kibriyaa': Arabic word for grandeur balances pride and humility

The National

time2 days ago

  • The National

‘Kibriyaa': Arabic word for grandeur balances pride and humility

Glory and grandeur run through the Arabic word of this week. Kibriyaa goes beyond pride. It suggests majesty and commands reverence, yet invites caution. Like most Arabic words, the seeds of its meaning lie in trilateral root letters – kaf, ba and ra – which generate a number of related names. There is Kabir, meaning great and a name consigned to males; and Takbir, meaning glorifying God, something worshippers do throughout their five daily prayers, particularly communally in the mosque. These related words also reflect the slippery slope from supreme confidence to conceit, with the latter described in Arabic by the stern-sounding istikbar. Because of the magnitude of its meaning, kibriyaa also holds a place in spiritual literature. The Quran establishes the term as divine territory, with a verse from Chapter 45 stating 'wa lahu al-kibriyaa'u fi as-samawati wa al-arđi" (And to Him belongs all grandeur in the heavens and the earth). In turn, the Quran also offers repeated warnings against arrogance, referred to as kibr, a spiritual poison said to erode good character. While preserving its resonant undertones, modern Arabic has also used kibriyaa in more secular contexts. An elderly and dignified person, for instance, may be described as possessing a form of kibriyaa. It is important to note, however, that the term in this case conveys earned gravitas – not pridefulness. That balance between self-respect and self-exaltation – in a region where both dignity and humility are honoured – is what keeps kibriyaa one of the most dynamic Arabic words. Its rich and weighty connotations mean it's not used casually, in pop songs or film titles for instance. It is also a reminder of the nuance of the Arabic language, in which from seemingly simple roots emerge entire philosophies on how to conduct oneself – teaching us what to aspire to, and what to avoid.

Dignity: The right that must never be forgotten
Dignity: The right that must never be forgotten

Sharjah 24

time2 days ago

  • Sharjah 24

Dignity: The right that must never be forgotten

This becomes clear when we compare stable societies with refugee communities. In the former, necessities are often taken for granted. Over time, needs evolve—towards freedom of expression, creativity, personal growth, and fulfillment. In refugee communities, however, needs multiply in proportion to loss. Refugees long for a home, memories, school, protection, and the dream of a future, a need that only genuine human solidarity can fulfill, restoring a sense of reassurance to the spirit. This reality reminds us of a core principle in humanitarian work: the distinction between meeting basic needs and rebuilding the human spirit. Dignity, respect, and self-determination can take precedence over food or shelter. The need is not just to survive, but to feel alive. Without dignity, even food and medicine lose meaning. Aid must preserve self-respect and empower people as active participants in rebuilding their solidarity is not measured solely by what we provide, but by what we help keep alive within the individual. What keeps someone truly alive is not just bread and water, but passion, decision-making, expression, and the ability to dream. That's why at The Big Heart Foundation, we affirm that refugees are not a 'special case.' Our mission goes beyond physical needs—we must support to keep their spirit alive and their future is theirs to shape. We must move past viewing refugees solely as victims. Their needs extend beyond survival to all that gives life meaning. When dignity is restored, aid becomes partnership. Shelter becomes a home. The refugee becomes the architect of their future. Guided by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and supported by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi,Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation, we put dignity at the heart of our work. We ask ourselves: Have we listened? Have we preserved dignity? Have we made space for individuals to lead? On World Refugee Day, our message is clear: let us redefine solidarity. Let us make dignity a measure of success. Because without dignity, a person cannot rise—and if we strip it from others, we lose our own humanity.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store