Beirut Symposium Underscores Importance Of Arabic Language Historical Dictionary

Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the "What’s next for the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language" forum was recently held in Sharjah. This pivotal event aimed to shed light on the myriad benefits that the historical dictionary offers to diverse fields of study, particularly in fostering accurate translations and research. A notable highlight of the forum was the signing of a three-year collaborative agreement between the Arabic Language Academy in Lebanon and Beirut Arab University, marking a significant step towards enhancing Arabic linguistic education and research.

The agreement between the Arabic Language Academy in Lebanon and Beirut Arab University is set to pave the way for a fruitful partnership in Arabic language teaching, academic exchange, joint research initiatives, and cultural event organization. Central to this collaboration is the historical dictionary of the Arabic language, a project that intricately links scientific studies with the rich history of Arabic lexicon as documented in the dictionary.

Dr. Ahmed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, underscored the historical dictionary's critical role in preserving Arab linguistic heritage and bolstering Arab identity. He lauded the tireless efforts of linguists and academics who have significantly contributed to enriching this monumental work. Similarly, Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, President of Beirut Arab University, highlighted how technological advancements and extensive digital textual data have propelled historical lexical studies forward. The university's commitment to offering comprehensive academic programs in Arabic that blend linguistic, literary, historical, and cultural studies was also emphasized.

A Milestone in Arabic Lexicography

Dr. Sarah Daher, President of the Arabic Language Academy in Lebanon, attributed the successful launch of 67 parts of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language to the unwavering support from H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. This landmark achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of over 800 researchers, academics, technicians, and administrators dedicated to documenting and analyzing the evolution of the Arabic language.

Expanding Horizons for Scientific Research

The forum participants unanimously recognized the historical dictionary as a cornerstone for opening new vistas in scientific research and serving as a valuable resource for academic studies. They advocated for broadening research dimensions and integrating cutting-edge technology into lexicographic practices to further promote the Arabic language and strengthen Arab identity. The suggestion to create a dictionary linked to a computer map as a preliminary step towards developing software that facilitates research based on the historical dictionary was also put forward.

In conclusion, the forum not only underscored the indispensable role of the historical dictionary in various scholarly domains but also called for enhanced collaboration and technological integration to advance linguistic research and understanding. This gathering marked a significant milestone in celebrating and promoting the rich linguistic heritage of the Arab world.

With inputs from WAM