Kuwait joins world in celebrating Arabic Language Day

News report by Reem Al-Deraawy KUWAIT, Dec 18 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait joined the world Thursday to celebrate the Arabic Language Day, spoken by nearly 450 million people and considered one of the five most widely spoken languages worldwide.
This yearآ’s celebration is held under the theme "Innovative Pathways for the Arabic Language: Policies and Practices for More Inclusive Linguistic Future", aiming to highlight the role of education, media and technology in making Arabic more accessible and dynamic, while promoting linguistic equity.
Through this theme, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasizes the importance of innovation and inclusiveness in shaping a more dynamic future for the Arabic language.
UNESCO hopes this approach will contribute to the scientific and cultural renaissance witnessed globally regarding Arabic language, in addition to developing Arabic grammatical and linguistic rules.
The world celebrates the Arabic Language Day on December 18 every year. It was in 1973 when the UN General Assembly adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the organization, aiming to promote cultural and linguistic diversity among the peoples of the world.
On this occasion, local, regional and international institutions concerned with the Arabic language organize various activities aimed at teaching Arabic, encouraging reading and instilling a love of the language in younger generations.
Kuwait has made significant contributions through its government and private institutions to support the Arabic language, especially as Kuwait Constitution stipulates Arabic as the official language of the country. Kuwait has also been keen to support scientific and academic institutions in fulfilling their role in teaching, disseminating and strengthening the presence of Arabic over the past seven decades.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Kuwait University, Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Tabtabae, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) this day was a moment to celebrate a language that accompanies people in every moment of their lives.
Describing the language as the "the tongue of our identity, the soul of our culture, and the vessel of our daily thought," Al-Tabtabae said this day is not the beginning or end of interest in the language, but rather a reminder that Arabic is present every day, alive in speech, writing and collective consciousness, and an opportunity to renew pride and affection for it.
He explained that the purpose of this day is to stir a sense of responsibility toward the language and motivate institutions and individuals to highlight the beauty of Arabic and its expressive power. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm its cultural and intellectual role, he added, stressing that Arabic was not seasonal but deeply rooted in all aspects of life.
Regarding Kuwait Universityآ’s efforts to support Arabic, Dr. Al-Tabtabae said the university organizes annual cultural events and student initiatives, emphasizing its keenness on further promoting the Arabic language throughout the year by teaching, encouraging research in Arabic and hosting activities that strengthen its presence among students.
He added that the university supports this occasion by organizing lectures, seminars, training workshops, book exhibitions and competitions in oratory, writing and literary creativity, ensuring these efforts remain part of daily practice rather than a once-a-year event.
He called on academics to keep the Arabic language vibrant in studentsآ’ lives by offering engaging academic content, training them in writing and communication skills, encouraging research and innovation in Arabic, and supporting activities that demonstrate the languageآ’s beauty and ease of use.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdullah Al-Harbi, Professor of Arabic Language at the Arab Open University in Kuwait, expressed pride in the Arabic language, describing it as a language that built a great civilization and contributed to advancement of science and letters, noting its enduring ability to give, renew and inspire.
He stated that Arabic Language Day was an important occasion to remind individuals, officials and students that Arabic was not merely a tool of communication, but a symbol of identity and belonging, as well as a rich cultural and civilizational asset.
On Kuwaitآ’s contributions to supporting Arabic, he noted that they include scientific seminars and annual student competitions, adding that media and public activities remain the most influential, as they bring the language closer to people, showcase its aesthetics in modern ways and reach a wide audience.
He pointed out that Kuwait has a distinguished record in supporting Arabic language, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and strengthening the languageآ’s status regionally and globally, in addition to its major role in translation efforts and the preservation of Arabic heritage.
This includes, he added, publishing valuable encyclopedias and books such as Taj Al-Arous Dictionary, as well as supporting linguistic projects in academic and cultural institutions, and pioneering language-technology initiatives.
Dr. Al-Harbi called for celebrating this day at schools and universities, organizing cultural events, and launching awareness campaigns.
He stressed the importance of promoting loud reading as a key to eloquence and self-confidence, highlighting its role in building sound linguistic awareness and developing language skills. (end) rad.eng