International conference on promoting Arabic in Africa concludes

A large number of Arab and African researchers and professors attended the event. Representatives from 40 African and Arab countries attended the conference, which featured 45 peer-reviewed research papers from 16 Arab and African countries. The papers covered many elements of promoting Arabic and enhancing its teaching throughout the continent.

The Minister of Social Affairs presented a welcome statement during the inaugural session, complimenting Sharjah's Ruler for his outstanding efforts to encourage Arabic and cultural activities. The Minister of Higher Education of Mauritania also attended the opening, followed by Dr Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, who delivered a speech on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and conveyed greetings to all attendees.

The Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah also helped review various peer-reviewed research. Professor Dr Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of the Academy, chaired the seventh scientific session, which covered a wide range of research issues. The discussions included how to use gamification to teach Arabic as a foreign language in South Africa, changes in Sudanese dialects, practical ways to help learners with Arabic grammar challenges, the ruling on learning Arabic based on African fatwas, studies about Arabic and national sovereignty in Africa, and research on how Zawiyas and free Arabic education help keep the Arabic language alive in Algeria.

Long-Term Initiatives
Dr Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, commented on the conference, saying, "The significance of any event stems from its topic, and the second International Scientific Conference on Arabic in Africa derives its value from its noble goal: serving Arabic, one of the most eloquent and richest languages." This is made possible by the generous support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who works tirelessly to promote the Arabic language and its people worldwide."

He went on to say, "The lectures were rich in content and diversity, blending authenticity with modernity, and they fostered a serious scientific discourse about the state of Arabic in Africa and how to develop it. The scientific sessions included a variety of ideas and methods, bringing together views from scholars from different countries, which helped everyone understand the experiences of teaching and promoting Arabic in Africa better. Such gatherings, which combine academic knowledge with cultural interest, are critical steps towards developing a consensus strategy to increase the use of Arabic and improve its position in the continent's scientific and social life.

Executive Vision for Arabic Development
The second international scientific conference aimed to strengthen Arabic's presence in Africa by examining traditional and modern dissemination methods, highlighting individual and institutional efforts in teaching and development, analysing success factors and challenges, and proposing practical solutions for progress. The conference discussed the historical and civilisational aspects of Arabic's spread in Africa, such as the impact of Arab immigration, cultural hubs, and Arabic's role in influencing African cultures and interacting with indigenous languages. It also looked at ancient and modern methods of dissemination, ranging from Quranic schools and madrasas to universities and modern educational institutions, as well as manuscripts and works that promote Arabic education.

The conference covered curriculum, pedagogical methods, educational tools, strategies for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, and the use of artificial intelligence technology to enhance learning. Finally, the conference looked at language policies for developing Arabic in Africa, evaluated international organisational efforts, reviewed supportive laws and constitutions, and offered practical projects to broaden the language's reach.