Saudi Arabia leads UN celebration of Arabic language

Saudi Arabia launched two new books about translation during an event held at the UN headquarters in New York to celebrate the Arabic language.

The Kingdom led three days of related activities to mark World Arabic Language Day on Dec. 18 and the 50th anniversary of its adoption as an official UN language‎.

Abdullah Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, said: “We recently launched a group of international programs, including centers for teaching the Arabic language, a standardized test for Arabic language learners, and a contemporary dictionary close to the beneficiaries, in addition to many programs around the world.”

He noted that one of the books launched at the event was a reference guide covering interpretation in international organizations, while the other detailed Arabic translation in the UN.

“We have also provided translations of a group of books, including ‘The 100 Most Famous Questions About the Arabic Language,’ and ‘A Guide to the Culture of the Arabic Language,’” Al-Washmi added.

Abdulaziz Al-Wasel, the Saudi permanent representative to the UN in New York, said: “The Arabic language has preserved its cultural identity and is distinguished by carrying a great heritage and intellectual, literary, and scientific production extending back more than 14 centuries.

“The Arabic language is one of the pillars of the cultural diversity of humanity. It has also gained great importance among Muslims around the world because it is the language of the Holy Qur’an.”

He noted that Saudi Arabia continued to make concerted efforts to promote the Arabic language, to help shape cultural identity and maintain an historical legacy.

“This is being done through the Kingdom launching many initiatives to highlight the cultural and humanitarian role of the Arabic language through Saudi institutions, including the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Arabic Language Service, and other centers.

“The presence of the Arabic language in the United Nations has contributed to achieving the goals of sustainable development in the world based on its role in addressing many issues in the language of the Arab community,” Al-Wasel added.

World Arabic Language Day‎ was established by the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in 2010 to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity while also promoting equal use of all six of its official working languages throughout the organization.