Latest news with #ArabicLanguageAcademy
Gulf Today
25-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
ALA, UNESCO highlight role of historical dictionaries
The Arabic Language Academy (ALA) in Sharjah, in collaboration with UNESCO, held a specialised symposium to highlight the importance of historical linguistic dictionaries. The event coincided with the honouring of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for completing the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, now officially included in the UNESCO Library. The symposium also marked the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The symposium explored the significance of historical dictionaries across languages, including Arabic, French, Italian, Spanish, and German. It brought together distinguished scholars from leading linguistic and academic institutions across Europe and the Arab world. Speakers included Dr Amhamed Safi Mosteghanemi (Sharjah Arabic Language Academy), Dr Paolo Dacicelli (La Crusca, Rome), Dr Sebastian Geuther (University of Göttingen, Germany), Dr Charlotte Curie (University of Lyon III, France), and Dr Laura Gago Gómez (University of Salamanca, Spain). Dr Wael Farouk, Director of the Institute of Arab Culture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, moderated the symposium. Ali Al Haj Al Ali, Permanent Representative of the UAE to UNESCO, opened the event with a speech on behalf of the Arab Group. He praised Sheikh Sultan for his tireless efforts in supporting the Arabic language and emphasised the cultural and academic value of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. Al Ali described the dictionary's inclusion in the UNESCO Library as more than a scholarly achievement — it is a celebration of centuries of Arabic intellectual heritage. He called the dictionary a 'timeless scientific treasure' and underscored the Arab Group's commitment to transforming Arabic into a tool for innovation and future development. Dr Amhamed Safi Al Mostghanemi provided a detailed overview of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, its inception, and the massive collaborative effort involved. He emphasised its comprehensive documentation of word usage, historical evolution, and cultural significance — making it the largest and most modern Arabic linguistic reference of its kind. Dr Dacicelli discussed Italy's historical dictionaries, the evolving content, and their role in preserving linguistic history. He highlighted how such works provide insight into word origins and their transformations over time. Dr Geuther reviewed Germany's over 30 historical dictionaries, including the renowned Grimm Brothers' dictionary. He discussed their role in chronicling the German language's classical roots and regional dialects. WAM
Sharjah 24
17-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SALA showcases Sharjah's initiatives to promote Arabic in the West
Panel Session Discussion During a panel titled 'Efforts of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah to Support Arabic in the West,' Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, emphasised that Arabic, as a bridge for intercultural dialogue, continues to be cherished by its native speakers and passionately studied by Orientalists and scholars in both Asia and Europe. These efforts, he noted, have translated into meaningful contributions that have helped establish Arabic's global standing. Immersive Language Initiative Al Mosteghanemi discussed the 'Language Immersion' initiative launched by the Academy under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The initiative brings academic delegations from global universities in Austria, Poland, Italy, and others to live among the people of Sharjah and engage with its cultural environment, thereby enhancing their linguistic skills beyond traditional classroom learning. Encyclopedia Project Emphasized He also referred to the 'Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia' project, overseen by the Academy, stating that such initiatives embody Sharjah's vision of promoting Arabic as a source of knowledge and human connection capable of transmitting ideas and cultures across nations. Keys to Linguistic Mastery He also outlined five key foundations for developing linguistic mastery. First is continuous and mindful reading, which broadens knowledge and strengthens expression. Second is deep engagement with "instrumental sciences" such as grammar, morphology, rhetoric, and prosody, which provide learners with analytical tools. The third key, he noted, is the role of a skilled teacher who can instill a love for Arabic among both native and non-native speakers. Role of Memorization Al Mosteghanemi also stressed the importance of memorisation in Arabic learning, citing Quranic verses, prophetic sayings, classical poetry, and wise proverbs, as a fourth essential element. The fifth and final key is systematic training, both oral and written, through regular sessions that allow learners to use the language in varied real-life situations. Festival Draws Global Voices The Arabic Language and Culture Festival, organized by the Institute of Arab Culture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in collaboration with the Arabic Language Research Center, continued over four days until the 17th of the month. Held under the theme: 'The Migrant Tongue: Arabic Without Borders,' the festival's eighth edition welcomed 30 researchers, academics, and Arab writers from the diaspora, representing 18 countries. Focus on Arab Identity The festival spotlighted the presence of Arabic language and culture in Western contexts, addressing topics such as teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, updating grammar and rhetoric curricula, exploring Arab literature in the diaspora, issues of translation, and how Arabic texts are received in other languages, all tied to broader questions of identity and cultural integration.
Sharjah 24
14-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
ALA trains government employees on official correspondences
Better correspondences for better institutional image The training sought to increase participants' ability to write official communication at a high level of professionalism. It taught students fundamental language and technical skills connected to the art of formal communication, emphasising its importance for institutional image and performance. Enhancement of the Arabic literary tradition Dr. Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, stated that the art of official writing is a continuation of a long-standing Arab heritage that is refreshed with each generation. He emphasised that professional writing improves employees' competency and institutional presence because a well-crafted message represents a company, just as the tongue expresses thought. Effective communication tools The instructor highlighted that official mail is one of the most significant forms of institutional communication. He mentioned that research shows that poorly written communication is responsible for more than 60% of official blunders. Poorly written messages create misconceptions, waste time, and harm the organisation's image. He emphasised the necessity of clarity, conciseness, objectivity, and articulating the goal from the start. Fundamentals of professional writing The seminar emphasised the importance of maintaining a professional tone hierarchy, using passive voice to communicate respect in formal circumstances (e.g., "Please be advised"), and distinguishing between formal and informal writing styles. It also emphasised avoiding emotional language and hyperbole, guaranteeing grammatical accuracy, and employing proper punctuation. Types of correspondences Training covers various communication styles, including internal memos, external letters, official emails, reports, and meeting minutes. Participants were invited to explore specialised sources, including traditional Arabic works like "Al-Washi Al-Marqoum", which epitomises the art of correspondence throughout Islamic history. Course feedback The workshop concluded with a discussion of common errors in official writing and provided advice to personnel on thoroughly proofreading messages before sending them to ensure effectiveness and quality. Participants expressed gratitude for the skills they acquired, citing a considerable improvement in their grasp of professional communication. Iman Humaid Ghanem, a tourism coordinator at the Sharjah Museums Authority, noted that the insights gained were superior to earlier training and gave a useful understanding of message content, presentation, and receiver impact.
Sharjah 24
05-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Al Muntada Al Islami concludes "Teaching Quran to Kids " seminar
Scientific discussions The second day commenced with a rich scientific session led by Dr Mohammed Abtan, a preacher at the Islamic Affairs Department in Sharjah. He discussed "Muslim Efforts to Preserve the Quran – A Study of Impacts and Benefits," highlighting the historical context of Quran education during the early Islamic eras. Dr Abtan emphasised how preserving the Quran has been foundational in nurturing generations, safeguarding Islamic identity, and transmitting spiritual and moral values. He also underscored the importance of traditional memorisation circles in reinforcing the Quran's status within Muslim communities, calling for a balance between authenticity and modernisation in teaching methods. Closing session The closing session was chaired by Sabeha Al-Nimer, a Quran reader at the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah. She focused on "The Latest Methods and Practices in Quran Education," providing a detailed presentation on modern techniques for teaching the Quran to children. This included multimedia resources, smart applications, and online learning platforms. She showcased successful examples from Quranic institutions that have effectively integrated digital technologies with traditional teaching methods, which has significantly increased children's engagement in memorisation and learning through appealing and impactful approaches. The seminar concluded with several important recommendations, including: urging parents to enroll their children in educational centers specialising in Quran education in Sharjah, which combine traditional and modern digital methods; encouraging students of Islamic research to innovate teaching methods for children, focusing on psychological and educational dimensions; enhancing cooperation between educational institutions and entities involved in Quran education to develop curricula and methods; organising specialised training courses for teachers and Quran readers to review and qualify them in Quranic recitations using modern technological tools; and supporting community initiatives through cultural and sports clubs and childhood centers in the emirate to promote the culture of Quran memorisation and education in diverse, stimulating, and safe environments. Participants expressed their gratitude to Al Muntada Al Islami in Sharjah for organising this high-quality seminar, which enriched discussions and contributed to developing a new vision for Quran education amid contemporary challenges.
Sharjah 24
28-04-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SALA highlights global initiatives to serve Arabic at ADIBF
This participation is part of the academy's ongoing efforts to raise the Arabic language's profile in the global intellectual arena and to highlight its notable initiatives. These efforts reflect the goal of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as well as the Academy's Supreme President, to serve, preserve, and propagate the Arabic language across generations. Reference for scholars, researchers, and historians Speaking during the event, Dr Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, said: "The Academy's attendance at ADIBF provides a glimpse into the greatest linguistic and civilizational endeavor long awaited by the Arab nation: the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. This encyclopaedic treasure is a brilliant scientific lighthouse, lighting corners of the world and serving as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and historians from various disciplines." He went on to say, "Through our participation in cultural gatherings and forums, we strive to unveil the initiatives and projects driven by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a leader dedicated to expanding the reach and strengthening the prestige of the Arabic language among the world's languages. Sharjah is becoming a global destination for linguists and a blazing beacon for those seeking the lost glories and hidden gems of Arabic." Programmes designed for international Arabic learners During the exhibition, SALA introduces visitors from all walks of life to its most prominent cultural and research projects. Among these are the Scientific Councils, which bring together the most prominent Arabic language scholars from around the Arab world and beyond. The Academy also emphasises its international participation in conferences and linguistic forums across continents, which aim to broaden Arabic's influence and consolidate its position as a language of science, culture, and identity. The academy's pavilion also highlights its specific training courses for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, which have drawn hundreds of students and scholars from top universities around the world recently. Furthermore, the academy highlights its contributions to regional initiatives aiming to improve Arabic content and develop long-term reading habits. The event coincides with the opening of the Year of the Community in the UAE, as well as the first phase of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre's Community Campaign for Reading. Beacon for Arabic language aficionados The SALA pavilion provides a dynamic venue for researchers, scholars, and Arabic language aficionados to closely examine Sharjah's pioneering efforts in building sophisticated research and information tools for Arabic. The Historical Dictionary, for example, is one of the major lexicographical endeavours in the Arabic language's modern history.
