Abu Dhabi hosts Arabic language seminars online

Lectures, workshops and discussions will be held online in Abu Dhabi to mark UN Arabic Language Day.

Observed annually on December 18 since 1973, Arabic Language Day seeks to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity.

To mark the date, the UAE capital's Department of Culture and Tourism has teamed up with Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre to offer a programme of free virtual events.

Taking part will be high-profile speakers and guests from the UAE and around the world, including intellectuals, writers and scholars. Events include seminars, lectures, panel discussions and workshops.

The topics will cover Arabic language and its development, the Arabic Union Catalog, and the affect of culture diversity on creative writing.

On Sunday, December 20, a virtual lecture titled ‘In Arabic’ will be held to address Arabic language teaching methods and their development in line with best pedagogical practice. Another lecture, on Wednesday December 23, titled ‘The Impact of Culture Diversity on Creative Writing’, will discuss the literary value of cultural diversity and how it facilitates a more creative portrayal of environment.

“The programme was carefully developed to address the interests of not only intellectuals and academics, but different community segments, such as children and young people. This stems from a deep conviction in the importance of inclusion as way to achieve the progress and impact we are after,” said Dr Ali bin Tamim, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

Last month, the centre, established in March, launched a series of programmes to promote Arabic.

The initiatives included creating more Arabic content, developing digital platforms in the language, using it in various fields and encouraging research in the language.

The centre has also been given the task of promoting the language globally.

It will develop 10 programmes and work with academic and cultural institutions, scholars and researchers across the world to preserve and encourage the use of the language.

It is also charged with recommending policies that will promote Arabic in the public and private sector.