Historical Dictionary Of The Arabic Language Celebrated At Sharjah International Book Fair
The Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, announced a significant milestone at the 2024 Sharjah International Book Fair. They unveiled the publication of 127 volumes of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, marking a first for the Arab world. This dictionary traces the evolution of Arabic vocabulary over centuries, aiming to preserve linguistic heritage and connect future generations with their ancestral language.
Sharjah, led by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. The emirate provided financial and logistical support throughout the project. This commitment has resulted in a comprehensive linguistic reference for researchers and enthusiasts worldwide. The dictionary is not just an academic tool but also a cultural bridge linking past and present.
The press conference saw attendance from notable cultural figures across the UAE and Arab world. Participants included heads of writers' unions, media personalities, and academics specialising in Arabic language and history. Their presence highlighted the dictionary's importance as a unifying project for preserving linguistic and cultural heritage.
The Historical Dictionary is remarkable for its scope, containing about 73,000 entries spread over 127 volumes. It includes more than 21.5 million words derived from 11,300 linguistic roots, supported by 351,000 historical citations. Over 20 linguistic institutions from various Arab countries contributed to this collaborative effort, showcasing the richness of Arabic through ages.
Mohamed Hassan Khalaf from the Arabic Language Academy remarked on its significance: "The Historical Dictionary represents a pioneering step in preserving the cultural and linguistic legacy of the Arab nation." He emphasised that it serves as a cultural unifier across Arabic-speaking countries, proving that cooperation can yield impactful projects with lasting influence.
Technological Advancements in Linguistic Research
Professor Mohammad Al-Saoudi highlighted modern technologies' role in creating this dictionary: "The Historical Dictionary represents a groundbreaking development in linguistic research." It offers scholars and the public reliable sources to trace word evolution across historical contexts. This achievement required immense collaboration among linguistic institutions across the Arab world.
Dr. Amhad Safi Al-Mostaghanemi noted: "This dictionary reflects our ambition to provide a comprehensive reference tracing Arabic language development." With Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi's support, they turned this vision into reality.
Cultural Impact on Future Generations
Beyond being an archive, this dictionary connects younger generations to their roots by tracking vocabulary evolution over centuries. It strengthens cultural identity while making Arabic more accessible for current and future generations. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi stated: "We are here to serve the Arabic language... ensuring it accommodates modern developments while preserving core principles."
This achievement elevates Arabic to distinguished scientific standing through projects like this dictionary and Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia—reinforcing ties among Arab nations by documenting shared heritage without compromising on core values or essence.
Sharjah has presented an unparalleled cultural project with these achievements—elevating both scientific standing within academia globally while reinforcing ties among Arab nations through shared heritage documentation efforts like those seen here today!
With inputs from WAM
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