ABU DHABI // Creating a national strategy for Arabic is of vital importance, said the Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said a national strategy would include “an integrated system of goals and innovative ideas and initiatives, as well as laws and practices, through which a significant change can be achieved in the linguistic reality in the community in order to preserve the position of the Arabic language and restore the native language to new generations”, the state news agency Wam reported.
A comprehensive analysis of Arabic language within UAE society is needed, Sheikh Nahyan said, to determine the steps necessary to develop its use and ensure people’s interest in it is long term.
The statements were made during the first meeting of the second session of the Consultative Council of the Arabic language, held on Sunday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
During the meeting, participants were briefed on the Cabinet decision on the restructuring of the council, in addition to deciding upon the establishment of the Emirates Centre of Arabic Language in the Ministry, and its role in the protection of the Arabic language.
In November last year at a session of the Federal National Council, members called for a law to ensure Arabic was the language of instruction in state schools and universities. Sheikh Nahyan, also head of the Arabic Language Advisory Council, agreed with members’ concerns about the diminishing use of the language.
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