MANAH: The Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers, in collaboration with Ezz Basic Education School, commemorated World Arabic Language Day with a series of engaging activities celebrating the rich heritage and adaptability of the Arabic language.
Mustafa bin Hamad Ambusaidi, a faculty member at the institute, highlighted in his keynote address, “Today we celebrate the Arabic language on its international day, December 18, under the slogan ‘The Arabic Language and Artificial Intelligence'. This year’s theme emphasises how Arabic, with its profound depth and historical significance, is capable of merging seamlessly with AI to advance language analysis and generation in ways that mimic human intelligence.”
Ambusaidi lauded the institute’s efforts in fostering Omani culture and language globally through innovative applications and websites. These tools empower non-native learners to grasp the language’s morphological and syntactic intricacies, ensuring Arabic’s resilience and adaptability in the digital age.
The event featured a range of creative presentations, including the operetta 'Her Majesty' and a visual presentation titled 'Language Horizons'. The highlight was a film entitled 'Loyalty from Afar', showcasing heartfelt video messages from the institute’s foreign students, reaffirming the global impact of the Arabic language. The ceremony concluded with Dr Masouma bint Habib al Ajmiyah, Adviser to the Minister of Education, honouring the participants and inaugurating an exhibition showcasing Arabic heritage.
Meanwhile, the University of Nizwa joined the global celebrations with an academic and literary event under the theme 'The Linguistic and Literary Efforts of Shaikh Al Muhaqqiq Said bin Khalfan al Khalili (1287 AH-1871 AD)'. The event, organised by the Department of Arabic Language at the College of Arts and Social Science, was held under the auspices of Shaikh Ahmed bin Saud al Siyabi, Secretary-General of the Iftaa Office.
Dr Masoud al Hadidi, Head of the Arabic Language Department, underscored the importance of integrating Arabic into artificial intelligence platforms, emphasising the need for robust Arabic content in search engines and AI systems. “Our mission is to preserve the cultural essence of Arabic while equipping it to keep pace with modern advancements. By doing so, we ensure its role in fostering cultural identity and global knowledge exchange,” he said.
This year’s celebrations also honoured Shaikh Said bin Khalfan al Khalili for his remarkable contributions to Omani linguistic, religious and literary traditions. Shaikh Ahmed bin Saud al Siyabi reflected on Al Khalili’s multifaceted legacy, exploring pivotal moments in his intellectual and linguistic endeavours.
Dr George Tamer, Director of the Institute of Arabic Studies at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany, delivered an inspiring address. “Arabic must evolve alongside modern culture and technology,” he said, emphasising the need for creative thought and innovative applications to elevate the language in global scientific and intellectual discourse.
The programme included a poem and two academic sessions. The first session, 'The Literary Efforts of Shaikh Said bin Khalfan al Khalili', delved into his poetic and literary achievements, while the second session explored his scholarly work in advancing Arabic grammar and rhetoric.
This year, Unesco celebrated World Arabic Language Day under the theme 'Arabic and Artificial Intelligence... Stimulating Innovation and Preserving Cultural Heritage'. The theme highlights the synergy between innovation and tradition, reflecting Arabic’s ability to evolve while safeguarding its historical essence. - ONA
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