The Arabic Language Academy (ALA) in Sharjah received an African academic delegation, including researchers and specialists in linguistic and lexical studies.
The delegation was briefed on the services provided by the ALA and its efforts in implementing the ‘Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language’ project. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen relations between African research centres and the academy.
Dr. Muhammad Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, said that through the meeting, the ALA seeks to exchange African experiences that have clear and pioneering fingerprints in spreading the Arabic language and enhancing its presence within the African continent, with a group of academics and researchers in the linguistic field. He added that the ALA desires to enrich the cultural diversity that characterises the African regions, where the academy learnt about the status of the Arabic language in African societies through a constellation of academics from several African countries.
Members of the visiting African delegation expressed their happiness at the support accorded by the Emirate of Sharjah, under the leadership of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to the Arabic language and its reality in the African continent, and his endeavour to develop its presence in Africa. Furthermore, members of the delegation confirmed that the visit reinforces the bonds of interdependence between Arabs and their brothers in the African continent and contributes to creating a comprehensive linguistic renaissance that enriches the world with the Arabic language.
The delegation’s visit came on the sidelines of the forum organised under the title ‘The Reality of the Arabic Language in the African Continent’, upon the directives of the Ruler of Sharjah. It examined the most critical issues of interest to the Arabic language in the African continent, the reality of educational institutions and the challenges to teaching Arabic, the centres concerned with teaching Arabic in Africa, and ways to develop it.
Source: Emirates News Agency