Al Mosteghanemi: Sharjah, a hub for Arabic passion

February 25, 2025 / 7:29 PM

Sharjah 24: Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, expressed great pride in how Sharjah has become a cultural hub, attracting languages united by a shared love for Arabic. He emphasised the emirate’s role as a beacon that guides Arabic speakers and welcomes visitors from across the globe, transforming it into a vital centre for language and culture.

The Academy is committed to enhancing the global presence of Arabic, reinforcing its position in scientific and academic institutions worldwide. By addressing challenges and promoting educational development, the Academy seeks to establish Arabic as the most advanced language, a vessel for knowledge and a bridge for human thought.

Expanding Arabic beyond the Arab World

The Academy’s vision extends beyond the Arab world, strengthening the global presence of Arabic in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Academy has launched international projects that promote Arabic’s historic role as the language of civilisation and science. Dr Al Mosteghanemi highlighted the admiration for Arabic worldwide and its role in fostering understanding among nations and bridging civilisations. He shared pride in Sharjah’s role as a meeting place for diverse languages united by a love for Arabic, positioning the emirate as a cultural beacon.

Strengthening Arabic in Europe

The Arabic Language Academy is actively advancing Arabic’s presence in Europe through strategic academic partnerships and educational programmes. One such initiative is the opening of the Arabic Language and Culture Hall at Al-Farabi University in Kazakhstan, which offers an integrated environment for Arabic studies. The Academy also explored the intersection of language and artificial intelligence at the International Festival of Arabic Language and Culture in Milan, illustrating a forward-thinking approach to Arabic's future in research and technology. Additionally, the Academy organized the Sharjah International Conference for Arabic Studies in Europe, showcasing 23 academic studies focused on the challenges and development of Arabic education.

Promoting Arabic in Africa: The Arabic-African Dictionary Project

The Sharjah Arabic Language Academy continues to play an essential role in promoting Arabic across Africa. The opening of the new Arabic Language Council headquarters in Mauritania marks the beginning of the “Arabic-African Dictionary” project, which seeks to create common vocabulary between Arabic and African languages. This initiative is particularly significant given that many African languages have historically utilized the Arabic script. Furthermore, the Academy’s efforts in Gambia included organizing a scientific symposium to discuss the state of Arabic in the country. The Academy also welcomed an African academic delegation to discuss enhancing collaboration between African research centers and the Academy, strengthening Arabic’s academic presence across the continent.