Arabic Language Day

Arabic Language Day History

Arabic Language Day is an international observance that celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Arabic language. The day is marked by encouraging multilingualism and cultural diversity among communities, thus promoting mutual understanding and respect for cultural identities. Arabic, one of the six official languages of the United Nations, holds global significance and is spoken by more than 400 million people worldwide. This event is an opportunity to appreciate the impact of the Arabic Language, its literature, science, and arts, and its pivotal role in transmitting knowledge and civilizations throughout history.

The inception of Arabic Language Day can be traced back to 2010 when the United Nations declared it to create awareness about Arabic and its critical role in international communication. For New Zealanders, particularly those in academia, the observance allows for a deeper understanding of the Arab world's culture and contributions to science, mathematics, philosophy, and the arts. Understanding Arabic also supports New Zealand's increasing interests and interactions with the Middle East, whether in commerce, diplomacy, or academia. The Arabic language is vital to many people in New Zealand, particularly those with familial or historical ties to the Middle East and North Africa or simply interested in deepening their cultural literacy and linguistic skills.

In New Zealand, Arabic Language Day is typically marked by various educational activities and cultural events, such as language appreciation workshops, academic seminars, and cultural exhibitions. Schools and universities nationwide participate in the observance by offering special educational sessions, exhibitions, or Arabic language competitions. It's also an opportunity for the New Zealand community to engage with Arabian literature, music, and arts. Arabic Language Day is observed globally on the 18th of December annually, and New Zealand, which shares the objective of celebrating linguistic diversity, recognises this event on the same date. Its observance fosters a climate of cultural openness and tolerance on the archipelago.

Arabic Language Day facts

• Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages. It is spoken by more than 422 million people according to the U.N.
• Arabic has multiple words for love. Each describes a different stage of the process of falling in love, for example hawa describes the initial attraction between two people.
• Arabic is a Semitic language that first emerged in the 1st to 4th centuries CE. It is now the lingua franca of the Arab world.
• Arab immigration to New Zealand began in the mid-19th century, with the first Arab settlers being predominantly from Lebanon and Syria.
• The largest concentration of the Arabic community in New Zealand is in Auckland, followed by Wellington and Christchurch.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Arabic Language Day

Top things to do in NZ for Arabic Language Day

• Learn Arabic. There are many tools available to help you learn. It can be fun exciting learning a new language, especially one so rich in culture.
• Watch UNESCO's documentary about the Arab world and its heritage and civilization. Learn about culture and more at The Arab World.
• Visit museums or galleries that feature art, artifacts, or exhibitions related to the Middle East and Arabic-speaking countries to deepen your knowledge of their rich cultural heritage.
• Find books on Arabic language and literature at local libraries and bookstores. It is an excellent way to immerse oneself in the Arabic language and culture on Arabic Language Day.