ALA, UNESCO highlight role of historical dictionaries

The Arabic Language Academy (ALA) in Sharjah, in collaboration with UNESCO, held a specialised symposium to highlight the importance of historical linguistic dictionaries.

The event coincided with the honouring of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for completing the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, now officially included in the UNESCO Library. The symposium also marked the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

The symposium explored the significance of historical dictionaries across languages, including Arabic, French, Italian, Spanish, and German. It brought together distinguished scholars from leading linguistic and academic institutions across Europe and the Arab world.

Speakers included Dr Amhamed Safi Mosteghanemi (Sharjah Arabic Language Academy), Dr Paolo Dacicelli (La Crusca, Rome), Dr Sebastian Geuther (University of Göttingen, Germany), Dr Charlotte Curie (University of Lyon III, France), and Dr Laura Gago Gómez (University of Salamanca, Spain). Dr Wael Farouk, Director of the Institute of Arab Culture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, moderated the symposium.

Ali Al Haj Al Ali, Permanent Representative of the UAE to UNESCO, opened the event with a speech on behalf of the Arab Group. He praised Sheikh Sultan for his tireless efforts in supporting the Arabic language and emphasised the cultural and academic value of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language.

Al Ali described the dictionary’s inclusion in the UNESCO Library as more than a scholarly achievement — it is a celebration of centuries of Arabic intellectual heritage. He called the dictionary a “timeless scientific treasure” and underscored the Arab Group’s commitment to transforming Arabic into a tool for innovation and future development.

Dr Amhamed Safi Al Mostghanemi provided a detailed overview of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, its inception, and the massive collaborative effort involved. He emphasised its comprehensive documentation of word usage, historical evolution, and cultural significance — making it the largest and most modern Arabic linguistic reference of its kind.

Dr Dacicelli discussed Italy’s historical dictionaries, the evolving content, and their role in preserving linguistic history. He highlighted how such works provide insight into word origins and their transformations over time.

Dr Geuther reviewed Germany’s over 30 historical dictionaries, including the renowned Grimm Brothers’ dictionary. He discussed their role in chronicling the German language’s classical roots and regional dialects.

WAM