Sharjah Arabic Language Academy hosts "Ninth Linguistic Council”

At the beginning of the session, Dr. Al Mosteghanemi emphasised the importance of daily practice in learning Classical Arabic and shaping an individual's path towards mastery. He stated, "The desert has always been a fundamental source of authentic Arabic language, where ancient people sent their children to learn proper Arabic, just as Imam Shafi'i spent sixteen years with the Bani Hudhayl tribe, benefiting from that experience in understanding language and Sharia."

He added, "Reading in our current era is akin to residing in the desert of the past; nurturing generations with a love for reading and knowledge is fundamental to mastering the Arabic language. Those without knowledge cannot transmit it, and young learners cannot practice the language skillfully without delving into the depths of conscious reading. Memorisation is a reservoir of knowledge that never runs dry, and reading ensures the formation of a rich repository for students, providing them with knowledge of styles and expressions. Thus, reading becomes a key addition to daily practice, enhancing it and enabling students to master the language and employ it efficiently."

Classical Arabic as a Tool for Thought:
Dr. Abu Saleh Luqman warned against the transformation of Classical Arabic into a language foreign to children, as if it were a foreign language, emphasising the serious implications of this shift on cultural identity and intellectual growth. He countered the argument that language's purpose is communication, achievable through colloquial language, by stating, "Language is not merely a means of communication, as communication is just one of the many purposes of language. Language is, in fact, a tool for thought, and Classical Arabic is the solid foundation that enables individuals to express the deepest meanings and ideas. While we do not advocate ceasing to speak colloquially in daily communication, Classical Arabic, with its rich history and scientific status, has led Arabs to excel in various scientific fields for centuries. It is still considered one of the most sophisticated languages globally, and we must not neglect it."

He continued, "Envisioning the future and advancing in scientific research fields requires mastering Classical Arabic with its precise rules and refined methods. Scientific research, in all languages, is always written in Classical Arabic to express accuracy and depth of knowledge, contributing to the development of human thought and enhancing constructive scientific dialogue."

Promoting Classical Arabic as a Reality:
Regarding the means and methods to ensure the presence of Classical Arabic in societies, Dr. Luqman stated, "The United Arab Emirates holds a leading position in advanced educational curricula and initiatives to serve Arabic, such as the Arabic Language Document and Charter. It is essential to enhance the practical use of Classical Arabic at academic levels, in official speeches, and government correspondence. In my personal experience, I have made a point to speak Classical Arabic with my students, even the young ones. Despite initial laughter and surprise as students were amazed by speaking solely in Classical Arabic even in mundane matters, the positive impact on their academic achievement was clear. It is necessary to commit to Classical Arabic, even if for just one hour daily, to ensure the continuity of this rich linguistic heritage."

Classical Arabic Distinguishes the True Intellectual:
Reflecting on his experience with Arabic, Dr. Luqman explained that he grew up in an environment where people did not speak Arabic. He stated, "Quranic stories were the key to understanding Arabic for me, allowing me to grasp the context and diverse language styles, such as interrogative and exclamatory. Through continuous repetition of verses and general dialogues, I absorbed sentence structure in Arabic and mastered the application of grammatical rules in my daily life."

He continued, "Foreign students who are non-Arabic speakers face a challenge when they come to Arab countries, discovering that local residents do not use Classical Arabic in daily communication. This reality underscores the need to enhance the use of Classical Arabic in cultural and official circles, distinguishing intellectuals in all languages, not just Arabic alone."