Sharjah Linguistic and Lexical Studies Award opens nominations

The award covers two categories: “linguistic studies” and “lexical studies,” continuing its mission to support specialised scholarly research in Arabic, encourage studies that contribute to its theoretical and practical development, and enrich linguistic and lexicographic literature with high-quality, scientifically valuable publications. Applications will be accepted until 31 July 2026 via the award’s online platform.

The first category, “Linguistic and rhetorical studies in the Quranic discourse,” includes research analysing the Quranic text from grammatical, morphological, rhetorical, or lexicographic perspectives, as well as modern stylistic studies and other linguistic knowledge related to the verses of revelation, highlighting their meanings, rulings, and aspects of inimitability.

The second category, “Modern lexical studies,” recognises research in linguistic and humanistic lexicography as presented by modern lexicographers, including the development of lexicographic methodology, analysis of approaches, and documentation of transformations in light of scientific and technological developments.

The award, with a total value of USD 100,000, is split equally between the two categories for four winners: first-place winners in each category receive USD 30,000, while second-place winners receive USD 20,000 each.

A path serving Arabic and its sciences

Dr Amhamed Safi Al-Mustghanemi, Secretary- General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, stated that the award continues the path established by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to serve Arabic and its sciences and support specialised research.

He added, “Choosing the category of linguistic and rhetorical studies in the Quranic discourse stems from the Quran’s status as the miraculous Arabic text in both its structure and meaning, which has inspired scholars across ages to uncover its secrets and established longstanding schools of rhetoric and eloquence. Sharjah’s emphasis on the Quran includes celebrating pioneering research that studies this discourse through analysis and interpretation, contributing valuable scientific additions to the linguistic literature.”

Al-Mustghanemi also highlighted that the modern lexical studies category reflects the current need to review and develop lexicographic experiences in light of digital tools, databases, and advanced language processing technologies, stressing that developing the Arabic lexicon remains a cornerstone in organising knowledge, standardising terminology, and serving researchers and scholars.

Eligibility and submission requirements

The Academy clarified that nominated works must be printed books with an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), published no more than ten years before the announcement of the ninth cycle, covering works published between January 2016 and July 2026. Articles published in peer-reviewed journals are not eligible. Works that have previously won a similar award cannot be nominated, candidates may participate in only one category with a single work, and previous winners can reapply only after five years from their winning year.

Applications are submitted by registering on the award’s website and uploading the work in PDF format with the ISBN, alongside required documents: a signed application, three printed copies of the nominated work, a digitised PDF version uploaded online, the candidate’s CV, and a copy of their national ID or the first pages of their passport. The Academy confirmed that submitted documents are not returned, regardless of the outcome, and that the judging committee’s decision is final. Applicants must follow all steps until the submission is saved on the award’s platform.