UNESCO and the Arab World Institute in the Arab capital commemorate World Arabic Language Day on December 18, recognizing Arabic as a vital component of cultural diversity. This day marks the 1973 UN decision to designate Arabic as the sixth official language of the organization.
Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, stated, "The Arabic language plays a key role in promoting social cohesion, knowledge production, and the dissemination of values of peace and mutual understanding. Its contribution to humanity cannot be reduced to a single nation, as it is a legacy of civilization that belongs to the entire world."
The World Arabic Language Day serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue and mutual understanding, celebrating the significance of Arabic globally. The event fosters rich and diverse perspectives and enhances cultural links among nations. Official celebrations of this day have been held annually since 2012.
The Arab World Institute in Paris celebrates World Arabic Language Day for a week under the theme "Arabic, the Language of Languages," gathering Arabic speakers learning French and French speakers learning Arabic. This initiative encourages language skills development in a culturally supportive environment.
The institute discusses a thesis titled "Studying Arabic in France: The Sociology of Arabists," focusing on the plurality and various aspects of the Arabic language. Alexis Augor, a PhD student in sociology at the University of Limoges, participates, aiming to explore the social trajectories of students in Arabic language and civilization, and the social value of Arabic in France.
In a panel discussion titled "Sociology of Contemporary Arabic Language," Reem Bassiouni, winner of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, highlights the current status of Arabic worldwide from a sociolinguistic perspective.
Musician Qais Al-Saadi and artist Natasha Rogers will participate in a musical event showcasing how Arab musicians reshape their music and symbols to embrace a new world of sounds and rhythms.
This year's UNESCO celebration centers on "Arabic Language and Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage," exploring AI's role in promoting the Arabic language in the digital space while honoring its cultural authenticity.
UNESCO emphasizes that "Arabic is spoken by over 450 million people and is an official language in nearly 25 countries, holding immense cultural significance. However, only 3% of online content is available in Arabic, limiting access for millions."
The UNESCO program includes an "Arabic Language Exhibition" featuring artworks and digital displays showcasing the beauty, history, and enduring influence of the Arabic language on other civilizations.
The celebration gathers researchers, experts, and cultural leaders to explore how AI can bridge the digital gap, enhance the presence of Arabic online, foster innovation, and preserve heritage.
UNESCO will also host a discussion titled "Arabic Translation at the United Nations," organized by the King Salman Center for Arabic Language, featuring a select group of international experts.
A virtual training course on "Arabic Translation Skills for Diplomatic Purposes" will be organized for the organization's staff, aimed at familiarizing them with translation literature and techniques for diplomatic work.