Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, recently revealed the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. This dictionary consists of an impressive 127 volumes, showcasing Sharjah’s commitment to culture, literature, and the Arabic language. The announcement was made during the Second Sharjah International Conference on Arabic Language Studies in Europe (SICALE) on September 21. The conference, organized by the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, focuses on critical areas related to the Arabic language, such as Arab humanities studies, innovative research in teaching Arabic, and practical experiences in Arabic language and humanities studies.
During the conference, Sheikh Sultan welcomed scholars and researchers from Europe, expressing his joy over the completion of the Historical Dictionary volumes. He commended the dedication of 500 researchers and 200 proofreaders, reviewers, and printers who worked on this monumental project over seven years. The conference serves as a platform for scholars and academics from various countries to present research papers on topics related to Arabic language and culture, sharing their experiences and challenges in learning and teaching Arabic. Moving forward, the scientific and research team behind the Historical Dictionary will collaborate with the Arabic Language Academy to work on the Arabic Encyclopedia, covering literary and scientific fields.
The conference aims to explore several key topics, including Arab tales in the West, the Arabic language and contemporary technology, translation and cultural communication, the translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran into European languages, the portrayal of Arabs in travel literature, and Arabic manuscripts in Europe. Dignitaries attending the conference include representatives from the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah, Al Qasimia University, the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah, and the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. Sheikh Sultan emphasized the importance of establishing cultural centers to promote Arabic culture and language while undertaking valuable projects to support these efforts.
Overall, the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and the hosting of the Second Sharjah International Conference on Arabic Language Studies in Europe represent significant milestones in Sharjah’s commitment to preserving and promoting Arabic culture and language. Through collaboration and scholarly exchange, the conference seeks to further research and discussion on various topics related to the Arabic language, literature, and cultural heritage. Moving forward, Sharjah aims to continue its dedication to cultural initiatives that support the enrichment and preservation of Arabic language and heritage.