Third SICALE Conference Highlights Contributions Of Orientalists To Arabic Language Studies

The Third Sharjah International Conference on Arabic Language Studies in Europe (SICALE) commenced at the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre. This year's theme, "Contributions of Orientalists to the Arabic Language," attracted 24 researchers and academics from 19 European countries. The event is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

During the opening session, Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, welcomed attendees. He emphasised that these conferences have become pivotal in promoting the Arabic language globally. He noted their role in uniting Arabists and researchers from diverse regions, facilitating knowledge exchange that supports Arabic's presence in academic research.

The conference aims to explore the origins of European languages and their connections to Arabic. It seeks to uncover linguistic, social, and human heritage while focusing on translation methodologies and communication between civilizations. Additionally, it examines European literature influenced by Arabic and its impact on language dissemination.

The first day featured two panel discussions titled "The Migration of Arabic Words into Other Languages." Participants included Dr Khairuddin Hodžić from Bosnia and Herzegovina; Dr Petra Sebastián from Leiden University; Dr Smal Tuleubaeva from Eurasian National University; Dr Peter Zimanek from Carl University Prague; Dr Wael Farouk from Milan's Catholic University; and Dr Laura Gago from the University of Salamanca.

The conference also highlighted methodologies for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. A panel discussion included experts like Dr Sebastian Günther from Germany's University of Göttingen and Dr Fatima Mamedova from Kazakhstan's Al-Farabi University. They discussed teaching classical Arabic literature, prospects for teaching in Kazakhstan, and mobile applications' role in education.

Another session focused on translating Arabic literature and its impact on spreading the language. Professor Arben Chichi from Albania's Mediterranean University; Professor Igdonas Rachos; and Dr Elisabeth Foti from Lyon III presented research on translation movements in France, cultural diplomacy through translation, and translating the Qur’an into Lithuanian.

Panel Discussions Highlight Key Themes

The first session examined how medieval Arabic texts are used at Leiden University to teach about Abbasid Baghdad's daily life. It also explored how Arabic words have been adapted phonetically in Bosnian and their trajectory in Kazakh. The second session delved into Arabic words' influence on Czech and Central European languages.

The third session addressed scientific terminology's Arabic origins and Spanish history's linguistic influences. These discussions underscored the importance of understanding how languages evolve through cultural exchanges over time.

The conference concluded with a focus on Islamic-referenced terms' significance in shaping cultural competence through intercultural communication via teaching methods.

With inputs from WAM