Sharjah International Book Fair: The historical dictionary of the Arabic language, an achievement aimed at preserving Arabic linguistic heritage (experts)

by times news cr

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.

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