RIYADH — As part of the ongoing Riyadh International Book Fair, the UAE pavilion hosted a session for the youth entitled “The current state of the Arabic language”. The event was organized by the UAE›s Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development in partnership with the Misk Foundation and the Arab Youth Center. Attending the session moderated by Ahmed Al-Shatri were Ali Al-Shaali, head of the judges committee in the Arab Reading Challenge, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, secretary-general at the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for the Arabic Language. The session discussed the challenges facing the Arabic language and explored ways to tackle them. Additionally, it reviewed various language preservation methods utilized around the world. Al-Shaali highlighted that current statistics show promising developments in fields of translation and literature while stating that the Arabic language was utilized more today than in previous years. He stressed that the preservation of the Arabic language was a collective responsibility that fell on the whole community. On his part Al-Washmi said, “We must view the Arabic language as an essential part of our identity and preserve it regardless of whether or not it is essential to our careers.” Among the challenges facing the Arabic language mentioned by the participants was the lack of Arabic content available online. They said the Arabic content on the Internet accounts for less than 1 percent of the world’s total online content. Despite the Arabic speakers being 4.5 percent of the world’s population, only 6 percent of Arabic publications are translated internationally. The discussion also encompassed the weakness of the Arabic language among new generations and the role of teachers in cultivating the Arabic identity in students through the use of traditional and modern platforms such as social media and technology. Another challenge examined was the negligence of the Arabic language within families who favor teaching their children foreign languages instead. The session shed light on the globalization of the English language in the fields of technology, science and innovation, making it one of the most significant challenges facing the Arabic language. The session also highlighted the fact that for young job seekers in this age, their success hinges greatly on proficiency in English. In addition, most academic curriculums are being taught in the English language. The session reviewed the French and Chinese methods in preserving their languages through the enactment of laws and by establishing organizations and institutions, among other pivotal measures that contribute to preserving the languages in the two countries. The session concluded with a series of recommendations, including the continuation of efforts to preserve the Arabic language through discussions, seminars and cultural initiatives. Additionally, it was noted that the constant use of the Arabic language will in return raise its value, lessen the blame on those with weak language skills and encourage children to be proud of their mother language. Since the launch of the Riyadh International Book Fair, the UAE›s Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development has organized a series of cultural symposiums attended by a number of high-ranking dignitaries and officials from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, as well as book signing sessions and other activities in cooperation with partners from both countries. — SG