Riyadh Seminar Shines Light on Saudi Arabia’s Role in Teaching Arabic in Korea
In a groundbreaking seminar titled “The Role of Saudi Arabia in Teaching Arabic in Korea” held at the Seoul International Book Fair 2024, the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission showcased Saudi Arabia as the guest of honor. The event was a platform for Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Dayel, the cultural attache at the Saudi embassy, to underscore the historical significance of the Arabic language.
Arabic Language: A Rich History and Saudi Arabia’s Global Influence
Al-Dayel delved into Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts in promoting Arabic, tracing its roots as one of the Semitic languages that evolved into various dialects. He highlighted the unification of these dialects with the revelation of the Quran in Classical Arabic, a dialect shared by tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. The Kingdom’s pivotal role in establishing Arabic as an official global language at the United Nations was also emphasized, leading to the creation of World Arabic Language Day celebrated annually on Dec. 18.
Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Spreading Arabic Worldwide
The cultural attache emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting Arabic through various initiatives. From organizing seminars to offering scholarships and free study programs for Arabic learners, the Kingdom is dedicated to spreading the language globally. Notable efforts include the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, which hosts poetry competitions, an online Arabic dictionary, and the Arabic Hackathon to support technological advancements in the language.