The United Nations (UN)’s Arabic Language Day is annually observed across the globe on 18 December to honour the language and cultural diversity of the Middle Eastern Region.
- The day acknowledges the contribution of the ‘Arabic language’ in enriching science, philosophy, literature, art, and universal culture.
The 2023 commemoration coincides with the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of Arabic as one of the 6 UN official languages.
- The 2023 theme of UN Arabic Language Day is, “Arabic – the Language of Poetry and Arts.”
Note: A language of undeniable beauty and power, Arabic is recognised for its contribution to poetry and the arts.
Objective:
The objectives of the UN Arabic Language Day are to promote equal use of all 6 official working languages throughout the organisation and to celebrate multilingualism, as a core value, and cultural diversity.
Background:
i.On 18 December 1973, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution 3190 (XXVIII) introducing Arabic as the 6th official language of the UN.
ii.Commemorating this decision, in 2010 the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (190 EX/48) established the World Arabic Language Day to be celebrated on 18 December each year.
iii.The 1st Arabic Language Day was observed on December 18, 2012.
iv.On 19 February 2010, the UN Department of Public Information (UNDPI), under reference number OBV/853 (PI/1926) decided to celebrate the establishment of world days for each of the 6 official languages of the UN.
- The decision was made just before the annual celebration of International Mother Language Day, which is annually observed on 21 February.
Note: The other 5 official languages of the UN are Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
Why December 18?
This date coincides with the day when, in 1973, the UNGA adopted the resolution 3190 (XXVIII), to include Arabic as one of the official and working languages of the General Assembly and its Main Committees.
Note: The UNDPI chose the dates for the Language Days based on their symbolic or historical significance to each language.
Significance:
i.Since 2012, UNESCO has commemorated World Arabic Language Day, highlighting Arabic’s legacy and immense contribution to humanity.
ii.The Day aims to celebrate its role in knowledge sharing and connecting people via culture, science, literature, and many other disciplines.
iii.Since 2012, UNESCO marks World Arabic Language Day annually on the 18th of December in collaboration with the Permanent Delegation of Saudi Arabia, and partnership with the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation.
Features of Arabic Script:
i.Direction: Arabic is written from right to left in a cursive style.
ii.Arabic alphabet: It consists of 18 shapes that express 28 phonetic sounds with the help of diacritical marks.
iii.Arabic Letters’ writing: It has 3 forms Initial, Medial, and Final that are different in shape according to their position.
Note: Arabic calligraphy is inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage list
Other UN Language Days:
Chinese Language Day (20 April); English Language Day (23 April); French Language Day (20 March); Russian Language Day (6 June); Spanish Language Day (23 April).
2023 Events:
On 18 December 2023, UNESCO organized a series of events at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. The events include round table discussions, cultural performances, and announcement of the winners of the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture.
- A side event was also organised to reflect on the forthcoming publication about Arabic’s role in social inclusion within European Arabic-speaking communities.
Exhibition:
An exhibition showcasing the achievements in advancing the Arabic language under ‘Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Programme for the Arabic Language at UNESCO’ has been organised from 18th to 22nd December 2023.
