Doha, Qatar: In the presence of Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center held its third annual Arabic Language Symposium in celebration of World Arabic Language Day and the National Day of the State of Qatar.
The symposium included three lectures highlighting key aspects of the Center’s experience in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers.
At the conclusion of the event, the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs honoured the three lecturers. The symposium opened with an introduction addressing the impact and ongoing contributions of the Center’s experience.
This year’s symposium was held amid numerous changes that necessitated a renewed focus on the relationship between the Arabic language, culture, and values, while also giving attention to the experiences of various centers within the country, with particular emphasis on the distinction of the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center. The symposium’s themes focused on the effects of learning Arabic on non-native speakers and its influence on them.
In his speech, Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al Marri, Director of the Center, welcomed the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs; Undersecretary of the Ministry H E Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani; and distinguished guests from various departments of the Ministry.
He noted that the symposium coincides with the State’s celebrations of National Day and the world’s celebration of Arabic Language Day, as both occasions come together in this event due to the close connection between the Arabic language and Qatar’s identity. He also highlighted the State’s efforts, represented by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, to spread the Arabic language globally—an endeavour made possible through the support of the Minister and his continuous follow-up of local and international courses, which have extended to Cambodia, Mauritius, and Bosnia, in addition to hosting students from Mongolia and South Africa.
In a presentation on Arabic language programmes, statistics showed that the number of male and female students exceeded 1,636, including more than 100 students enrolled in overseas courses conducted during the current year.
Dr. Youssef Rahaimi from the Arabic Language Unit at the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center spoke about the Center’s experience, student interaction with its programmes, and their impact on learners.
Meanwhile, Dr. Amer Abu Al-Rous from the Department of Arabic Language at Qatar University discussed the relationship between language, culture, and values within the Center’s curriculum, emphasising that the curriculum presents local Qatari culture and Arab-Islamic culture within a clear and comprehensive linguistic framework.
Dr. Suleiman Al-Omairat, Associate Professor in the Department of Arabic Language at Qatar University, presented a comparative statistical study on the impact of cultural interaction between students and their environment on learning Arabic, demonstrating a positive change among foreign students after learning Arabic in Qatar, as well as the importance of greater integration and visiting various institutions. Center officials also noted that Arabic language courses for hosted students include trips and visits to various landmarks.
