United Nations Arabic Language Day 2024

UN Arabic Language Day also known as World Arabic Language Day (WALD) was originally established by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010 and celebrated every year since 2012.

December 18^th is significant to the UN, as this is the day the General Assembly approved Arabic as one of six official languages.

About the Arabic Language

Today we are celebrating the Arabic language’s contributions to humanity. The Arabic language was the first language of:

• Algebra
• Astrology
• Chemistry
• Medicine

Over 7000 words in the English language are either Arabic or derived from Arabic such as; cotton, coffee, saffron, tuna, and giraffe.  The Arabic language is complex, and a poetically verbal and written language, spoken by approximately 1.5 billion people around the world, with around 300 million native speakers.

According to Babbel Magazine,  it is the 5^th most widely spoken language in the world. A total of 22 countries use Arabic as their official language.  There are three categories of Arabic styles: Classical Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, and other local styles (Amya or Darja).  The most common form of written Arabic is the ‘Modern Standard Arabic’ (MSA). MSA is widely used across all Arab countries, as it is an easily transferred style of writing.

In addition to a variety of spoken styles and locales, the Arabic language has a vast writing system.  The main features of the Arabic script:

• Words are written from right to left.
• Arabic calligraphy is regarded as one of the most beautiful art forms in the world.
• Other languages, such as Persian, Kurdish, Malay, and formerly Turkish, are written using Arabic characters.
• Numbers written left to right.
• There are no capital letters.
• Each letter in the Arabic alphabet can have four different forms depending on its position in a word – independent, initial, medial, and final forms.
• Letters are always joined in Arabic writing, except in rare cases.
• There are approximately 12.3 million words in Arabic, compared to 600,000 in English.

How People Are Celebrating Today

World Arabic Language Day 2024, themed (Arabic Language and AI: Advancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage) will be celebrated on December 18 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The event features expert-led discussions on AI’s role in enhancing Arabic’s online presence and preserving its heritage, ending with a stunning light calligraphy show.

Globally, people honor the day with poetry readings, cultural exhibits, and digital campaigns showcasing Arabic’s beauty. Initiatives like the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Programme further highlight the language’s global significance, fostering innovation and cultural exchange.

How You Can Celebrate

You can learn a few simple words in Arabic and practice these daily.

Reference:

World Arabic Language Day 2024 | UNESCO