SHARJAH: Writers and experts in the study and teaching of the Arabic language affirmed on Thursday that Arabic is the fastest-developing and most influential language globally. Over 160 languages have been transcribed using Arabic letters, and it has enriched many languages with its terminology.

This consensus emerged during a session titled “The Aesthetics and Impact of the Arabic Language”, which took place at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2023. The event drew the presence of numerous scholars, writers, and translators worldwide who have a deep interest in the Arabic language.

Dr Al-Khalil Al-Nahawi, an expert at the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization and the President of the Council of the Arabic Language in Mauritania, noted the remarkable influence of the Arabic language. He highlighted its reach into non-Muslim African languages, stating that Arabic vocabulary has found its way into various domains such as trade and agriculture. Nahawi emphasized that Arabic is not exclusive to Arabs; it is truly universal.

“There are indicators of the status of languages, such as the geographical extent index, which ranks Arabic second only to English. Arabic is present in 60 countries, either as a mother tongue or a language that is taught,” Nahawi further explained,

Linguistic researcher Amna Al-Hashemi shared her insights from participating in the historical dictionary of the Arabic language project. She revealed that Arabic occupies a distinguished position among world languages today. It is a historical language that has withstood the test of time and has the adaptability to engage with life, sciences and various forms of knowledge. According to her, Arabic has amassed a wealth of linguistic structures, formulas and methods over centuries, enabling it to offer depth, inspiration, and diversity to human history.

Spanish academic and translator Luis Miguel expressed his deep connection with Arabic. He described it as a beautiful language that hundreds of millions consider not just a human language but a divine one. Miguel’s passion for Arabic has grown since he began studying it at the age of 18. He became a translator because he firmly believed that Arab culture has much to offer Western culture. His enthusiasm for the Arabic language expanded as he had the opportunity to travel and explore various Arabic dialects. — KUNA