DOHA: Qatar University (QU) College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) held its third Arabic Language Day celebration this week, under the theme 'My Language and the Other.'
The programme included an exhibition of students' work highlighting excerpts from Dr Al Bastian's widely-acclaimed publications, poetry recitation, and discussions on issues of Arab and Islamic communities.
QU VP and Chief Academic Officer Dr Sheikha bint Jabor Al Thani gave the opening address in the presence of Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, guest and founder of the Abdul Aziz Al Babtain Prize for Poetic Creativity Dr Abdul Aziz Al Babtain, members of QU leadership, Supreme Council of Education representatives, CAS Dean and faculty, staff, and students.
Dr Al Thani stressed the importance of promoting and celebrating the Arabic language and highlighted QU's role in doing so.
"This event encourages communication and interaction with other languages and cultures. Our language is deep-rooted in genuine values and sentiments and is the best channel to showcase our ancient and vibrant heritage. It is everyone's responsibility to honour our language and we have to exert every effort to develop and preserve it," she said.
She outlined the many programmes that QU offers especially the Arabic for Non-Native Speakers (ANNS) programme which attracts international students, promotes Arab and Islamic culture, and boosts social and cultural openness.
Minister Al Kuwari pointed out the role the ministry plays to promote Arabic and Islamic language and culture.
He thanked QU for its participation in the activities celebrating Doha as the Capital of Arab Culture 2010.
CAS Dean Dr Kassim Shaaban noted that Arabic Language Day was acknowledged by the Arabic Language, Education, Culture, and Science Organisation (ALECSO) to be celebrated throughout the Arab world. He referred to some of the current challenges the language faces in competition with other languages and dialects.
"This however had the effect of increased awareness and interest in the Arabic language in terms of culture, science, and religion," he said.
© The Peninsula 2011
