Sharjah Celebrates the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
Under the guidance of Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah announced a major achievement at the 2024 Sharjah International Book Fair: the publication of 127 volumes of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. This dictionary is the first of its kind in the Arab world, documenting the evolution of Arabic vocabulary and meanings over centuries. It aims to preserve linguistic heritage and strengthen the connection between future generations and their ancestral language.
Significance of the Dictionary
Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi emphasized the dictionary’s role as a cultural and intellectual reference, celebrating its completion as a milestone for the Arab and Islamic worlds. The project was realized through cooperation between Sharjah and various linguistic institutions across the Arab world, enhancing the Arabic language as a comprehensive civilizational vessel.
Sharjah’s Role
Sharjah, led by Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, played a crucial role in the dictionary’s development, providing financial, logistical, and moral support. The dictionary serves as a comprehensive linguistic reference for researchers and enthusiasts worldwide.
Conference Highlights
The press conference featured prominent cultural and literary figures from the UAE and the Arab world, including heads of writers’ and intellectuals’ unions, media personalities, and academics specializing in Arabic language and history. The dictionary is seen as a unifying project for the Arab world’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
Scope and Content
The dictionary includes approximately 73,000 entries, covering over 21.5 million words across 127 volumes, with 351,000 historical citations from 11,300 linguistic roots. It is a product of collective Arab cooperation, reflecting the richness and diversity of the Arabic language.
Impact and Future
The dictionary caters to researchers, specialists, students, and the general public, enhancing understanding of Arabic linguistic heritage and safeguarding cultural identity. It is a cultural gateway for future generations to connect with their language and heritage, fostering pride in their Arab identity.
Statements from Key Figures
Mohamed Hassan Khalaf highlighted the dictionary as a pioneering step in preserving the Arab nation’s cultural and linguistic legacy. Amhad Safi Al-Mostaghanemi emphasized the dictionary’s scientific and cultural vision, while Professor Mohammad Al-Saoudi noted the role of modern technologies in the project.
The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language embodies Sharjah’s commitment to preserving Arab heritage and cultural identity, ensuring the language remains dynamic and relevant. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi stated the goal is to serve the Arabic language and support its linguistic academies, preserving its core principles and cultural value.
Doubts Revealed
Sharjah -: Sharjah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is known for its cultural heritage and is a neighboring emirate to Dubai.
Historical Dictionary -: A historical dictionary is a special type of dictionary that not only gives the meanings of words but also explains how they have changed over time. It helps people understand the history and evolution of a language.
Arabic Language Academy -: The Arabic Language Academy is an organization that works to preserve and promote the Arabic language. It helps in creating resources like dictionaries to support the use and understanding of Arabic.
Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi -: Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi is the ruler of Sharjah. He is known for his efforts to promote education and culture in the region.
Sharjah International Book Fair -: The Sharjah International Book Fair is a large event where people from all over the world come to share and celebrate books. It is one of the biggest book fairs in the world.
127 volumes -: Volumes refer to books or parts of a series. In this context, 127 volumes mean that the dictionary is made up of 127 separate books, each covering different parts of the Arabic language.
Linguistic heritage -: Linguistic heritage refers to the history and cultural significance of a language. It includes the words, expressions, and ways of speaking that have been passed down through generations.
Cultural identity -: Cultural identity is the feeling of belonging to a group or culture. It includes traditions, language, and customs that make a group unique.