Speakers at a conference dedicated to announcing the finalization of the historical dictionary of the Arabic language, held Thursday as part of the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, indicated that this project brought together 780 participants , distributed between editors, proofreaders, supervisors and administrators, from 20 Arab institutions including linguistic academies, universities and specialized centers, including Moroccan institutions.
In a speech for the occasion, the secretary general of the Arabic Language Academy and executive director of the historical dictionary project, Mohamed Safi Mostaghanemi, underlined the important role played by new technologies in the development of the dictionary as soon as possible, adding that this historical dictionary stands out compared to general dictionaries by its vocation to follow the evolution of words from their first use in ancient inscriptions and manuscripts until the modern era.
The member of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Arabic Language Academy, Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, for his part, highlighted the importance of this unique, global and historical project, stressing that this dictionary represents a linguistic and civilizational for future generations, guaranteeing the Arabic language a preponderant place among the languages of the world.
The creation of the Arabic historical dictionary required seven years of work, after the issuance of a decree, on December 18, 2016, by His Highness the Emir of Sharjah, Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, establishing the Arabic Language Academy of Sharjah, with the aim of coordinating efforts towards the launch of the historical dictionary.
A meeting took place in Cairo on May 10, 2017, between the president and members of the Union of Arab Scientific and Linguistic Academies and the presidents of the Arabic language academies, leading to the formation of commissions and essential stages of implementation. implementation of the project.
The edition of the historical dictionary began on December 18, 2018, before the publication, in 2020, of eight empirical volumes and the initiation of editions until the announcement in September 2024, of the finalization of the edition of the 127 volumes of the dictionary.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Amina El-Hakim, Linguistic Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. El-Hakim, and thank you for joining us today. The recent conference at the Sharjah International Book Fair announcing the finalization of the historical dictionary of the Arabic language is a significant milestone. Can you tell us why this project is so important for the Arabic linguistic community?
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: It’s my pleasure to be here! The historical dictionary is monumental not only because it documents the Arabic language’s evolution over time but also because it serves as an authoritative resource for linguists, scholars, and educators. With 780 contributors from 20 different institutions, this project showcases the collaborative efforts across the Arab world to preserve and promote our linguistic heritage.
Time.news Editor: That collaboration is indeed impressive. The sheer number of participants, including many from Moroccan institutions, speaks volumes about the commitment to this endeavor. How do you think the involvement of diverse institutions has shaped the dictionary?
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: The diverse backgrounds of the contributors enrich the dictionary tremendously. Each institution brings its own expertise and perspective, leading to a more comprehensive and nuanced representation of the language. This collaboration ultimately enhances the dictionary’s credibility and usability for future generations.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the importance of preserving linguistic heritage. In your opinion, what role does technology play in this project, especially considering that Mr. Mostaghanemi highlighted it during his speech?
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: Technology plays a crucial role in the development and dissemination of the dictionary. It allows for more efficient collaboration among contributors, easier updates, and broader accessibility for users. Digital formats make it possible for scholars worldwide to access this wealth of knowledge instantly, which otherwise would have been confined to print versions.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating. It seems like technology is bridging gaps in linguistic research and education. How do you see the future of Arabic language studies evolving with tools like this historical dictionary and advancements in technology?
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: I believe we are on the brink of a linguistic renaissance in the Arab world. As young scholars utilize these resources alongside advanced technological tools, we can expect innovative research, more language preservation initiatives, and a greater emphasis on teaching Arabic effectively. This dictionary is just the beginning of a much larger movement towards revitalizing and expanding the study of our language.
Time.news Editor: as we look ahead, are there any specific challenges or considerations that you think institutions need to address to ensure the longevity and relevance of the historical dictionary?
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: Absolutely. One major challenge is ensuring that the dictionary remains up-to-date with the ever-evolving language. Continuous input from the linguistic community is essential. Additionally, we must cater to the younger generations who interact with language differently in the digital age. Involving them in the process and utilizing social media and other platforms will be vital in keeping the content relevant and engaging.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Hakim, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the historical dictionary is not just a project; it’s a pivotal resource that will shape the future of Arabic language studies for years to come.
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how this initiative will unfold and inspire future generations in our rich linguistic journey.