Arabic language: a bastion of identity and the Kingdom's efforts to promote it globally
Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and a cornerstone of humanity's cultural diversity. As the world celebrates World Arabic Language Day on December 18th each year, the importance of the Arabic language as a vessel of civilization, preserving the nation's history and values, is once again highlighted. Experts confirmed to Al-Youm that Arabic is not merely a means of communication, but rather the very essence of national identity and a bastion of religious and intellectual values passed down through generations.
Historical depth and global standing
The Arabic language derives its exceptional importance from being the language of the Holy Quran, which has ensured its continuity and preservation throughout the centuries. Historically, Arabic played a pivotal role in preserving science and knowledge during the Middle Ages, serving as the language of science and civilization that transmitted philosophy, medicine, and mathematics to the Western world. Today, the international significance of Arabic is underscored by its status as one of the six official languages of the United Nations, reflecting its demographic and cultural weight and its influence on the global stage.
Strengthening identity and social cohesion
In the context of strengthening identity, Professor Abdulrahman Al-Sulami, Director of the Center of Excellence for Arabic Language Research at King Abdulaziz University, explained that the Arabic language plays a fundamental role in shaping societal identity. He pointed out that it represents the "collective memory" that carries within it the nation's history in its religious and intellectual dimensions, from the texts of divine revelation to masterpieces of poetry and wisdom. Al-Sulami emphasized that Arabic acts as a unifying factor, granting individuals a shared sense of belonging, thus strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing ethical values and upright conduct derived from Islamic and Arab culture.
The Kingdom's leading role and the King Salman Complex
For her part, Professor Maliha Mohammed Al-Qahtani, a faculty member at Prince Sattam University, highlighted the significant efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve the Arabic language. She emphasized that the Kingdom, as the cradle of Islam and the wellspring of Arab culture, is leading a global cultural movement to support the Arabic language. The establishment of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language is a pivotal strategic step aimed at unifying linguistic efforts, formulating policies that ensure the presence of Arabic in international forums, and strengthening cooperation with organizations such as UNESCO and ALECSO. She also pointed to the scholarship programs and institutes established by the Kingdom to teach Arabic to non-native speakers, which will enable graduates of these programs to become ambassadors of Arab culture in their home countries.
Challenges of the digital age and the future
Regarding the future of the language, Arabic language teacher Ghada Makki Al-Sharif addressed the current challenges, noting that the digital age imposes a new reality that necessitates protecting Arabic from the encroachment of other languages and the rapid influence of technology. She explained that preserving the language requires enhancing digital Arabic content and supporting translation and publishing. Al-Sharif called on educational institutions to adopt initiatives that discover and cultivate literary talents, and she addressed a message to younger generations emphasizing the importance of adhering to Classical Arabic in all aspects of life to ensure the language's continued role as a cultural bridge connecting the past with the future.
