The completion of a monumental 127-volume historical corpus of the Arabic language was announced by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, marking a significant achievement for the UAE and the Arab world. This project, which took seven years to complete, aims to preserve the richness of the Arabic language and its scientific heritage.
Key Takeaways
- The 127-volume corpus is a source of national pride for the UAE.
- The project took seven years and involved extensive collaboration among linguistic scholars.
- A Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia will follow, encompassing all Arabic terms across various fields.
- The volumes will be available at the Sharjah International Book Fair and online.
A Monumental Achievement
In a ceremony held at the Al Qasimi Publications headquarters, Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi praised the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the project. He emphasized that the Arabic language is a vessel for all sciences and knowledge, and this corpus serves to preserve that legacy.
The Ruler signed the final volume of the corpus, symbolizing the culmination of years of effort and collaboration. He expressed his congratulations to the Arab world for this significant accomplishment, highlighting its importance in promoting the Arabic language.
The Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia
Following the completion of the historical corpus, Sheikh Sultan announced the immediate commencement of work on the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia. This new project aims to compile all Arabic terms across various fields, including science, literature, and the arts, while excluding foreign or borrowed terms to maintain the integrity of the language.
The methodology used in creating the historical corpus will be applied to the encyclopedia, ensuring a high standard of scholarship and accuracy. Linguistic scholars from various countries contributed to this effort, working diligently to document their findings.
Availability and Accessibility
All volumes of the historical corpus will be showcased at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair in November. Additionally, they will be made accessible online for researchers, scholars, and educators worldwide, ensuring that the knowledge contained within these volumes reaches a global audience.
A Commitment to the Arabic Language
Sheikh Sultan reiterated the importance of ongoing efforts to preserve the Arabic language and its roots. He stated that the work on the corpus would continue, emphasizing the need for future generations to benefit from this rich linguistic heritage.
In a tour of the Al Qasimi Publications office, the Ruler viewed an exhibition of original manuscripts, including a handwritten draft of his book on Omani-French relations, showcasing the depth of his commitment to literature and scholarship.
This initiative not only highlights the UAE’s dedication to the Arabic language but also sets a precedent for future linguistic and cultural projects in the region, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Arabic language and its contributions to global knowledge.
