ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, organised the International Mother Language Day, held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
The event’s theme for 2024 was ‘Multilingual Education is a Pillar of Intergenerational Learning.’
Huda Ibrahim Al Khamis, Founder of ADMAF and Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, highlighted the eloquence and significance of the Arabic language, describing it as ‘a living language embedded in the eternal revelation of the Holy Quran in our stories, melodies and poetic verses, with its music and rhythm flowing in our blood and veins, embodying the essence of our culture through its identity, heritage and influence’.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC, affirmed the importance of nurturing the mother language, which is transferred to humans from the earliest
moments of their relationship with their mothers.
‘Arab civilisation is one of the earliest human civilisations that has shown great care, appreciation and respect for linguistics, ideology, belief and cultural diversity, making it a global human civilisation whose influences, sciences, philosophies and achievements have spread to all corners of the world.’
The ALC considers diversity a priority, which is reflected in its various initiatives and projects, including the Sard Al Thahab (Golden Narrative) Award to support the journey of contemporary Arabic narration with the treasures of popular memory and ancient traditions in Arabic storytelling, and the Kanz Al Jeel Award to honour scholars and creators interested in heritage related to folk poetry and its authentic values.
The celebration included a panel discussion on the reality of the Arabic language as a mother tongue, with the participation of officials from governmental, academic, and cultural institutions active in heritage and preserving the Arabi
c language, which highlighted the cultural treasures, intellectual assets, and prospects of the language.
Among the speakers were Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, President of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Dr. Hanada Taha, President of the ZAI Centre for Arabic Language Research at Zayed University, and Dr. Aysha Al Shamsi, Head of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature at the Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities. The discussion was moderated by writer and critic Ali Al Abdan.
The speakers affirmed the UAE’s key role in enhancing the status of the Arabic language, especially among the youth and new generations, and the importance of addressing real challenges facing Arabic speakers, such as linguistic dichotomies and the relationship between colloquial and formal Arabic. They stressed the need to improve curriculums and solidify Arabic as a language of science and knowledge.
Source: Emirates News Agency