People confused with the use of words and phrases in different Arabic dialects will soon have an authoritative reference book to understand what they mean.
More than 10,000 words and phrases of various Arabic dialects spoken in the UAE have been compiled in the dictionary by the Zayed Centre for Heritage and History in Al Ain.
The project took five years by a team of researchers who also sought help from dozens of university students and volunteers. This effort is the first of its kind in the Middle East, said Dr Hasan Mohammad Abdullah Al Naboudah, director of the centre.
"Experts are currently giving the manuscript a final review after which it willd be sent to the printers," he said, adding that the lexicon is expected to be published by the end of this year.
Dr Al Naboudah said Arabic is a vast and rich language with a large number of local dialects.
The language spoken in all Arab countries is characterised by a wide variety of local dialects that are difficult to understand by Arabs living in other countries.
The idea to compile the words and phrases from these dialects, with their authentic background, is the brainchild of Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nah-yan, Deputy Prime Minister, he said.
Experts at the centre shave explained each entry with the necessary background and origin, accompanied by graphic illustrations.
"Words and phrases in Arabic dialects, which have historical importance, also carry cultural values for the area where they are or were spoken," he said.
It was a painstaking project as the researchers had to select and document appropriate words and phrases from many parts of the country. They also travelled extensively and met people who speak the dialects.
Many students from the UAE University also support the work and volunteered to conduct interviews to obtain authentic information about the words and phrases.
The director said a system would be developed to regularly update the dictionary.
Dr Al Naboudah said the dictionary of the UAE's dialects would be a significant contribution to Arabic literature and reference books.
"It will also be a great help to Arabs from other countries seeking to gain a better understanding of the local literature, heritage, customs and cultural background of this country."
At a glance
Centre documents history and culture
The Zayed Centre for Heritage and History was inaugurated by Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, in March 1999. It has been making contributions in exploring and documenting the history and culture of the UAE.
The centre was established on the instructions of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who attached great importance to culture, history and heritage.
The centre has two branches, one in Abu Dhabi and the other in Al Ain. The Al Ain branch of the centre is fully involved in research by utilising a range of resources.
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