Doha: The Sheikh Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre (SABZAMC) organized its annual Arabic language symposium on the impact of teaching Arabic on the reality of non-native speakers in the State of Qatar - SABZAMC as a Model. Attending the symposium were HE Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanem, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, alongside a contingent of university teachers, researchers, specialists in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, and representatives of the nation's cultural and educational institutions.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event was held concomitantly with the Qatar National Day celebrations and the UN Arabic Language Day observed annually on Dec. 18 to embody the profound connection between the Arabic language and national identity, in addition to deepening the language's standing as a core pillar of building humans and forging people-to-people and civilizational connections.
Director of SABZAMC Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al Marri stated that the symposium convened during a unifying national and linguistic occasion where the legacies of the National Day converge with the UN Arabic Language Day, reflecting Qatar's cherishing of its language and cultural identity. Awqaf gives foremost priority to the Arabic language and strives to propagate its teachings in wide-ranging countries of the world through direct support and follow-up from HE the Minister, Al Marri highlighted.
Dr. Al Marri pointed out that SABZAMC's programs in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers have witnessed a remarkable expansion both at home and abroad, with external courses extending to several countries, including Cambodia, Mauritius, and Bosnia, in addition to hosting students from Mongolia and South Africa, as part of the nation's vision to promote cultural, civilizational, and people-to-people connections in pursuit of forging understanding among nations.
The symposium was a consequential milestone to spotlight the actual impact of the Arabic language not only inside teaching classes, but in the daily life of learners and their inclusion in the community, along with their engagement with various institutions and public spaces, in addition to the presence of the Arabic language in the media and digital platforms.
The symposium concluded by underscoring the importance of diligently continuing the efforts of state ministries, as well as scientific and cultural institutions, in supporting the Arabic language, in addition to effectuating its presence in educational and societal media. Overall, the language is a core component in charting the civilizational and cultural identity, positioning itself as an effective tool in forging people-to-people communications and understanding in alignment with Qatar's vision, as well as its cultural and humanitarian message.