World Arabic Language Day
2022 Edition: The Contribution of the Arabic Language to Human Civilization and Culture
Through this year’s theme UNESCO sheds a light on the numerous contributions of Arabic to humanity’s cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as to knowledge production. To celebrate World Arabic Language Day 2022, UNESCO organizes round table discussions and cultural performances at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 16 December 2022.
The Arabic language is a pillar of the cultural diversity of humanity. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 400 million people. World Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on 18 December since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization.
In the diversity of its forms, classic or dialectal, from oral expression to poetic calligraphy, the Arabic language has given rise to a fascinating aesthetic, in fields as varied as architecture, poetry, philosophy and song. It gives access to an incredible variety of identities and beliefs and its history reveals the richness of its links with other languages. Arabic has played a catalytic role in knowledge, promoting the dissemination of Greek and Roman sciences and philosophies to Renaissance Europe. It has enabled a dialogue of cultures along the silk roads, from the coast of India to the Horn of Africa.
Arabic Language: A 50-year journey at the United Nations
Seven hours of live calligraphy by RamZ
On World Arabic Language Day, UNESCO is encouraging everyone to celebrate not only a language, but also a culture and, more broadly, emphasizing how much we need diverse perspectives – they are an invaluable treasure and the fundamental prerequisite for lasting peace.
UNESCO's work to strengthen the Arabic language
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