The world will mark the World Arabic Language Day on December 18 this year under the theme “Arabic Language, a bridge between civilizations.”
The Arabic language has been celebrated on December 18 since 2010, with the date being chosen because it was the day in 1973 when the UN General Assembly approved Arabic as one of its official languages.
Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 400 million people.
This year’s theme is “Arabic Language, a bridge between civilizations.”
The theme is said to be a call to reaffirm the role of the Arabic language in connecting people through culture, science, literature and many more domains.
It apparently highlights the role of Arabic in creating and transmitting knowledge, as well as in enhancing dialogue and building peace.
In increasingly globalized, digitalized and multilingual societies, the 2021 theme is said to be of urgent relevance as it recognizes the changing world and the imperative to reinforce dialogue between nations and peoples.
To celebrate the Day, Unesco will reportedly organize a virtual panel discussion on December 17, where experts, academics, journalists and representatives of specialized institutions are expected to gather to debate on the historic role of Arabic in creating and transmitting knowledge and Arabic language as a tool to enhance dialogue and build peace.
On the occasion, Unesco has also organized a 15-day exhibition on the theme with the support of the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation, on the fences of its Headquarters Building in Paris, from December 6.
The exhibition includes works by 18 artists from 13 countries around the world.
Applying various techniques, from classical calligraphy to contemporary graffiti styles, these artists have incorporated the Arabic letters in their work.