(MENAFN - The Peninsula)
Qatar University (QU) marked Arabic Language Day yesterday to highlight the treasures and history of the Arabic language. ‘Arabic Language Academies: Necessity or Luxury?' was the theme of World Arabic Language Day this year to understand academia's role in safeguarding and enhancing the Arabic language. Several professors at QU marked this day by sharing their sentiments on this important day. The Arabic language is a pillar of humanity's cultural diversity and is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. World Arabic Language Day is being celebrated on February 18 every year since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 when the UN General Assembly adopted Arabic as the organization's sixth official language. In the diversity of its forms, classic or dialectal, from oral expression to poetic calligraphy, the Arabic language has given rise to a fascinating aesthetic in architecture, poetry, philosophy, and songs. It provides access to an incredible variety of identities and beliefs, and its history reveals the richness of its links with other languages. Dr. Noora Al Khanji, Associate Professor of Arabic Language, College of Arts and Sciences at QU, said that mother tongue is the first bearer of a person since birth. This expression helps individuals express themselves among people. Talking about the Arabic language, Loui Khalil, Associate Professor of Arabic Language, College of Arts and Sciences at QU, said, 'The most crucial characteristic of our culture is based on two essential pillars: Arabism, which is a national, ethnic, and linguistic aspect, and Islam, which is a religious manifestation. This means that the identity of this culture is not of purely human origin like other identities. Perhaps this is what gives it the attribute of persistence. Preferably it has divine origin as well, on the basis that Islam is one of the three great divine religions, and this also gave it the attribute of t r a n s c e n d e n c e a n d permanence. Dr. Soumaia El Mekki, Assistant Professor of Arabic Language, College of Arts and Sciences at QU, explained that the Arabic language is a 'biological link rooted in the depth of a nation's history. The language has produced a common identity that unites the Arab people and carves a 'national personality that transcends states' limits and is drawn by beliefs.