DOHA: H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), has lamented the damage done by misuse of modern communication technology to Arabic language, saying it has exposed Arab children and youth to electronic linguistic jargons.
She was addressing the second edition of the Renaissance of Arabic Language Forum, which opened at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) yesterday. The two-day forum has been organised by QF member World Organization for Renaissance of Arabic Language (WORAL) under the theme, “Linguistic Upbringing of The Arab Child — The Reality and Prospects for the Future.”
“We in the Arab world did not invest in the extraordinary scientific advancements, particularly in the fields of education, information, communications and media and the development of language education and we left our children to use other languages even while communicating with their parents,” said Sheikha Moza. She expressed sadness over the fact that decades ago Arab children spoke better Arabic than today and urged the audience to explore the reasons.
A lack of interest of families in Arabic language, weak curriculum and poor teaching methodology have made the situation worse, she added.
“Children are reluctant to read children’s literature because of the craze for electronic games and modern entertainment, which we have failed to produce locally and introduce in Arabic language,” said Sheikha Moza.
She added that the Arab world is facing a cultural divide between standard Arabic and colloquial dialects. Speaking in standard Arabic by Arab natives has become like speaking in a foreign language.
Writers, intellectuals and artists now speak to media outlets in their dialects, Sheikha Moza said, adding that such a dilemma calls for research and serious work to simplify the Arabic language curriculum and force television programmes to use standard language.
If the retreat of children from Arabic continues, the language would become a stranger. Nations protect their identity through their language, Sheikha Moza said.
“If we diagnose the problem more accurately, then the treatment will not be difficult,” she said, stressing the need for boosting willingness among elites and the public at legislative, educational, cultural and media levels to protect the Arabic language.
Sheikha Moza said cultural and linguistic self-harmony makes a person normal and productive, but if that harmony is missing, identity disorders will reflect negatively on patterns of behaviour and stimulate a tendency towards violence.
During such a time of fragmentation and division, nothing is left to find shelter in except the Arabic language so as to “safeguard national and cultural identity and not to feel strange in our civilisation.”
In the era of globalisation, nations are left with two options -- either be part of globalisation in the way the globalising forces want or to co-exist with globalisation maintaining our identity and language, she added.
In his opening address, Dr Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Turki Al Subaie, Chairman, Board of Trustees, World Organisation for Renaissance of Arabic Language (WORAL), said the Arabic language remains an integral part of the world civilisation through its balanced, interactive and refurbished speech.
He highlighted the important role being played by WORAL despite the presence of numerous language organisations and centres in all Arab countries.
The forum has brought together more than 300 professors, researchers and teachers from around the region.
It seeks to raise awareness and promote children’s acquisition of Arabic language and explore the factors affecting their linguistic learning abilities.
Discussions will focus on the need to promote Arabic media content on the proper use of the language and engage parents as active agents in their children’s education and development.
The Peninsula
