“Arabic Dictionary” Featured at Mauritania's Language Month

The symposium focused on the dictionary's significance as one of the most important projects that support the Arabic language and enhance its status. The event also featured a documentary film that highlighted the journey and stages of the dictionary’s creation.

The opening ceremony of "Arabic Language Month" was overseen by His Excellency Hussein Amdou, Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, who is also the Spokesperson for the Mauritanian government.

The event was attended by His Excellency Hamad Ghanem Al Muhairi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, as well as representatives from various Arab diplomatic missions, and a group of prominent cultural, scientific, political, and media figures in Mauritania. The ceremony celebrated the Arabic language as a global language, showcasing a variety of cultural and scientific activities.

The symposium was attended by notable figures, including Professor Khalil Al Nahwi, Chairman of the Arabic Language Council in Mauritania; Professor Dr. Abdel Hamid Madkour, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Language and Scientific Academies; Professor Abu Bakr Sila, a representative of the organisations working to promote the Arabic language; and Professor Abu Balblah, Director of Lessons at the Higher School of Education, who was the guest of this edition of "Arabic Language Month."

During the event, His Excellency the Mauritanian Minister praised His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his efforts in advancing the work of the Arab Academies and for the significant achievement of the "Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language," which consists of 127 volumes. He also acknowledged the support of Mauritania's President, Mohamed bin Sheikh Al Ghazouani, in empowering the Arabic language. He emphasized the importance of further efforts to address gaps in the language’s digital presence and affirmed that the Arabic language remains the beacon for Mauritanians both at home and abroad.

In his remarks, Al Khalil Al Nahwi stressed the growing influence of the Arabic language as one of the fastest-spreading languages globally. He praised the efforts to complete the "Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language," noting the rapid progress and excellence achieved under the generous sponsorship of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, whose support was vital to the success of the project. Al Nahwi also highlighted the backing from the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Sheikh Al Ghazwani, and emphasised how His Highness's patronage and the involvement of the "Union of Arabian Academies" were key to the dictionary's swift completion, which took less than five years to edit and publish.

Al Nahwi further expressed gratitude for the Mauritanian team’s work on the dictionary, commending their efforts at every stage of editing and reviewing. He also acknowledged the coordination with various language academies, which played a crucial role in transforming "World Arabic Language Day" into a week, and ultimately into a month, thanks to the collective efforts of the "Coordination of the Guardians of the Arabic Language."

Professor Dr. Abdul Hamid Madkour, Secretary General of the Union of Arabian Academies, also praised the visionary leadership, wisdom, and generous support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. He highlighted the pivotal role His Highness played in completing the "Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language" and expressed appreciation for Mauritania’s contribution to the project and its historic role in spreading Arabic in Africa.

Professor Abu Bakr Sila, representative of organisations promoting the Arabic language, expressed his joy at the completion of the "Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language." He emphasised that the dictionary serves as a catalyst for the revival of national languages written in the Arabic script. Meanwhile, Professor Abu Balblah, Director of Lessons at the Higher School of Education, spoke about the institution's leadership in training Arabic language professors since its establishment in 1970, and its significant contribution to the dictionary project.

The opening ceremony also featured two documentary films: one focused on the "Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language" and the stages of its completion, and the other on the journey of the "Mauritania Arabic Language Council."

At the conclusion of the ceremony, members of the Mauritanian team who contributed to the "Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language" were honoured and presented with certificates of appreciation. Digital login cards granting access to the dictionary’s online platform were also distributed to attendees.