In support of ‘Bel Arabi’ initiative & to commemorate World Arabic Language Day
Dubai, UAE, December 18th, 2013 – In response to Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation ‘Bel Arabi’ initiative for reviving the role of Arabic as a universal language, Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU) has organized an e-Lecture in the presence of faculty and staff of different nationalities in addition to several international educational institutions via a live ‘webinar’ broadcast. The international lecture comes in conjunction with the celebration of World Arabic Language Day today (Wednesday, December 18, 2013) in a move to restore the soul of the Arabic language which has long been an important channel for enriching intellectual, humanitarian and cultural heritage.
Dr. Talal Mohammed Al Darweesh, Head of HBMeU’s Centre for Arabization and Program Integrity (CAPI), delivered the lecture. He discussed the universality of Arabic language and its importance in terms of aesthetics, style, and powerful expression, as well as its literary and practical influence on the cultural renaissance. He also pointed to the remarkable global cultural contribution of the Arabic language, which forms part of the national identity of more than 400 million people around the world.
Dr. Al Darwish cited examples of the direct impact of the Arabic language in Europe and the world in terms of the development of science and literature as well as European and non-European languages starting from the fifth century onwards. He revealed the important facets and details of the language, referred to foreign quotes taken from Arabic, and talked about the impact of other existing languages on Arabic.
Dr. Al Darwish added that the e-Lecture aims to highlight the importance of the Arabic language and its vital role in the development of education and scientific research. He noted that HBMeU is committed to leveraging the language as a tool for education and for enriching the Arabic library with major Arabized researches, studies and books via Centre for Arabization and Program Integrity. The CAPI program aims to spread modern knowledge and facilitate the learning of Arabic in line with modern developments under H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai vision of effecting real change in education as a key element of ‘UAE Vision 2021.’
For his part, Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMeU, explained how the importance of the Arabic language lies in its status as an authentic and vibrant language that copes with the present and the future. Al Awar pointed out that supporting the ‘Bel Arabi’ initiative is part of tireless efforts to promote the use of the language as an essential tool in education, scientific research, and the virtual world. He also stated that HBMeU has always been a model of embodying the aspirations of the wise leadership to guide the Arabic language away from traditional patterns which have had major influences in turning the new generation turning away from the mother language and abandoning the works of the Arabic minds works.
“HBMeU, through its Centre for Arabization and Program Integrity , is committed to maintain and protect the Arabic language as a reflection of our national identity. We aim to uphold the valuable contribution of the language in enriching global intellectual, scientific and humanitarian movements. We will continue to work hard in order to enhance the role of our language in supporting scientific research, an essential driver of human knowledge, and to strengthen its presence within regional and global scientific and knowledge forums in order to embody the ambitious aspirations of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed to make the UAE a global center of excellence in the Arabic language,” concluded Al Awar.