Muscat – Oman will join other Arabic-speaking countries on Thursday in marking World Arabic Language Day, observed annually on December 18, as calls grow to increase the language’s role in education, science and modern technology.
This year’s theme, ‘Innovative Pathways for Arabic: Policies and Practices for a More Inclusive Linguistic Future’, adopted by Unesco, focuses on the role of education systems, media, digital tools and public policy in ensuring Arabic remains relevant to its more than 400mn speakers worldwide. The occasion is marked through events at Unesco headquarters and online, promoting linguistic diversity and inclusive development.
Abdullah Saif al Toobi, Director of Centre for Translation, Arabisation and Interest in the Arabic Language, said sustaining Arabic requires reconnecting it with kno- wledge production, creativity and labour markets. “Emphasising the importance of the language alone is no longer sufficient.”
Toobi called for Arabic to be used as the language of instruction in universities, scientific publishing in peer-reviewed journals and as a working language in advanced media. He said it must also function effectively in artificial intelligence, digital applications and emerging technologies.
He urged Arab countries to adopt binding language policies to ensure the official and academic use of Arabic across public and private sectors, alongside stronger support for translation, publishing and the localisation of science. He added that promoting dialects and local literature requires careful planning to address linguistic challenges.
Abdullah Mohammed al Harthy, Director General of Knowledge and Cultural Development at Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said Omanis have long contributed to Arabic sciences and literature, pointing to Omani manuscripts covering astronomy, medicine, history and linguistics. He added that preservation and publication efforts continue to receive institutional support.Muscat – Oman will join other Arabic-speaking countries on Thursday in marking World Arabic Language Day, observed annually on December 18, as calls grow to increase the language’s role in education, science and modern technology.
This year’s theme, ‘Innovative Pathways for Arabic: Policies and Practices for a More Inclusive Linguistic Future’, adopted by Unesco, focuses on the role of education systems, media, digital tools and public policy in ensuring Arabic remains relevant to its more than 400mn speakers worldwide. The occasion is marked through events at Unesco headquarters and online, promoting linguistic diversity and inclusive development.
Abdullah Saif al Toobi, Director of Centre for Translation, Arabisation and Interest in the Arabic Language, said sustaining Arabic requires reconnecting it with kno- wledge production, creativity and labour markets. “Emphasising the importance of the language alone is no longer sufficient.”
Toobi called for Arabic to be used as the language of instruction in universities, scientific publishing in peer-reviewed journals and as a working language in advanced media. He said it must also function effectively in artificial intelligence, digital applications and emerging technologies.
He urged Arab countries to adopt binding language policies to ensure the official and academic use of Arabic across public and private sectors, alongside stronger support for translation, publishing and the localisation of science. He added that promoting dialects and local literature requires careful planning to address linguistic challenges.
Abdullah Mohammed al Harthy, Director General of Knowledge and Cultural Development at Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said Omanis have long contributed to Arabic sciences and literature, pointing to Omani manuscripts covering astronomy, medicine, history and linguistics. He added that preservation and publication efforts continue to receive institutional support.
