My UAE: the Arabic language lessons of Yousuf Al Aslai

A profile of the Emirati champion of language Yousuf Al Aslai.

Yousuf Al Aslai hopes to keep old Emirati words alive via his ingenious Instagram page. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Yousuf Al Aslai is sometimes called an old man. The 27-year-old Emirati from Dubai is called that because he speaks like one, in the sense that he still uses words that most young Emiratis today have forgotten.
"To many Emiratis of my generation, and even some from previous generations, the words and terms I use sound archaic and old-fashioned to them," says Al Aslai. "I am not sure what happened and why many today are losing their mother tongue, because in the past, the Emiratis interacted with many different cultures and even spoke more languages like Persian, Swahili and Urdu but still kept their dialect."
To revive an interest in Emirati dialect and vocabulary, Al Aslai started posting the words and their meaning on Instagram, using images that would help people understand and remember the words better.
"I noticed there is a gap between the different generations of Emiratis and so I wanted to help fill it with a kind of an online dictionary that helps bridge and connect the different ages," says Al Aslai, who is a government employee by day.
Posting on @alaslay, he finds the right image, then uses the Inst­Arabic app to combine it with the Arabic word and its meaning. He uses old dictionaries both in book form and online, and asks family elders.
"I learn something new every day whenever I research the origin of a word," he says.
His Instagram has more than 5,000 followers, including Emiratis, Omanis, Saudis and from farther afield.
"Some of the followers are Arabs who have grown up and lived here and want to know more about the Emirati dialect they grew up listening to," he says. "It is very important to save and revive Emirati dialect as it is part of our identity and heritage. We need to sit more with the older generations and less with TV and our smartphones."
Favourite pastime?
Hanging out with friends and family, and I like to read my father's books. I like to read Ibn Khaldoun, who is considered one of the founding fathers of modern sociology, historiography and economics, and Ibn Kathir, a historian and an important Muslim narrator on Islamic law.
Favourite perfume?
Gucci by Gucci for men.
Favourite motto?
Using the words of the poet Hassan ibn Thabit: "Motivated by the past to do good deeds today" is what I like to live by.
Favourite film?
The Other Guys, starring Will Ferrell. I just found it hilarious.
Favourite dish?
Sushi.
Favourite drink?
Ginger ale with a slice of orange.
Favourite football team?
Al Shabab Club of Dubai.
What is your dream job?
To become a history teacher.
Who is your role model and hero?
My father. He passed away five years ago. My father studied sociology, and he gave me the idea of writing a book on the roots of the words in the Emirati accent, and to include the words mentioned in the Quran. He was the source of great inspiration.
Favourite cartoons?
The Smurfs - the original old cartoons. My favourite is Papa Smurf. I also love The Lion King. The music is great and I like the whole story of getting back the kingdom. It is sort of like Hamlet, but with a good ending.
Favourite actress?
Meryl Streep. She is very talented. A bit snobby, but she is good.
Dream car?
A Range Rover, but since I tend to hit the edges of my car, I'd rather drive a cheaper car.
Favourite Arabic actor?
Egyptian classic actors Youssef Wahbi and Abdullah Gaith. I like the old actors; they were versatile and had a presence on the screens.
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