ACC, ‘Arabic Language Protection’ celebrates Arabic Language Day

The celebration kicked off with an exhibition of calligraphy by artist Taj Al Sir Hassan, held in the club's lobby. The exhibition displayed a variety of his artworks that highlight his skill in Arabic calligraphy, which is a beautiful and important form of visual art. Taj Al Sir is known for his unique style, where he skillfully creates flowing lines and shapes with the Arabic script. He often stretches letters in a way that makes them appear to reach towards the sky. Additionally, he has created his own writing style called the "Crown" script and has explored new ways to combine calligraphy with painting.

The events kicked off with a speech from Dr Saeed Balith Al Tunaiji, the Chairman of the Arabic Language Association. He remarked, "This evening, we gather to celebrate World Arabic Language Day—a day dedicated not only to honoring a beautiful language but also to reaffirming our commitment to our identity, our history, and our civilizational duty to our mother tongue."

He went on to say, "Today, the Arabic language is vibrant and adaptable, yet the true challenge lies in our relationship with it: how we use it, its visibility in education, media, and technology, and its role in the hearts and minds of younger generations. This understanding is what motivated the establishment of the Association for the Protection of the Arabic Language. Our mission is not driven by nostalgia for the past, but by a keen awareness of the future. We should not settle for mere slogans; instead, we must engage in meaningful institutional work, foster partnerships, and cultivate societal impact. Protecting our language is not just a cultural luxury; it is a necessity for our existence, a safeguard for our identity, and a responsibility we all share.”

The lecture titled "Sharjah's Role in Creating a New Arabic Linguistic Renaissance" was given by Dr Mohammed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, who is the Secretary-General of the Sharjah Arabic Language Academy. Journalist Yeb Moulay Al Hassan moderated the session.

Al Mosteghanemi began by highlighting that Arabic in Sharjah is thriving and has a strong presence, unlike in some other places where it may not be as valued. He emphasized that Sharjah’s commitment to the Arabic language and its studies is now as remarkable, if not more so, than what cities like Cordoba and Granada were known for in their heyday. This dedication is largely thanks to the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has set up various institutions to promote and support the Arabic language.

Examples of this support include the poetry houses organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture and the Arabic Language Academy, along with other organizations committed to preserving and enhancing the Arabic language. The Ruler of Sharjah has even stated, "I have dedicated myself to Arabic," which reflects the region's commitment to fostering a vibrant Arabic culture. As a result, Arabic in Sharjah is enjoying a strong resurgence and is aiming for even greater achievements.

To help protect and promote the Arabic language, Dr Al Mosteghanemi suggested four practical steps: first, encourage reading. Families and schools should work together to create a love for reading in children from a young age. Secondly, practice memorization, Children should be encouraged to memorize important texts, including the Qur’an, Hadith, poetry, and prose, as this builds a strong foundation in the language.

Third step, teach language basics, It’s essential to teach children the fundamental aspects of the language, such as grammar and structure; and lastly, encourage speaking and writing, children should be regularly encouraged to speak and write in Arabic to gain confidence and fluency.

By following these steps, we can help ensure the continued growth and appreciation of the Arabic language in our communities.