The University of Jordan (UJ) President, Prof. Nathir Obeidat, emphasized Wednesday the importance of preserving the Arab language. He warned during the University’s celebrations of World Arabic Language Day that we risk losing our language if we merely admire its beauty and brilliance without actively placing it at the forefront of global human interaction.
This event, organized by the School of Arts, was attended by the university’s vice presidents, linguists, experts, cultural organizations, and a large audience of students.
Obeidat called on academics and students at UJ to celebrate the beauty of the Arabic language by embracing creativity, solving technological challenges, and preserving its rich literary and theological heritage. He emphasized the university community's role in showcasing the language's articulacy and sophistication, while fostering innovation and teaching the arts of rhetoric and grammar.
Obeidat expressed deep appreciation for advocates of the Arabic language, reaffirming its role as a cornerstone of Arab identity and the language of Islam. He also paid tribute to the pioneering scholars of UJ's Arabic Language Department, such as Naser Al-Din Al-Assad and Khaled Al-Karaki, urging the preservation of their enduring legacy in enriching the university’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
Dean of the School, Prof. Mohammad Qudah, highlighted the need to dedicate efforts to the Arabic language to enable its integration into scientific and intellectual progress. He stressed its role as a modernizing tool and a stronghold against cultural distortion and alienation.
Qudah noted that while Arabic faces numerous challenges, the most concerning issue is the waning confidence of its speakers, who have increasingly distanced themselves from their cultural and civilizational heritage. He emphasized that Arabic is a language of beauty, articulateness, and timelessness—a bridge connecting generations and cultures and a vital part of Arab identity.
Head of the Arabic Language Department, Dr. Muath Alzoubi, delivered three messages during his speech. The first came from the Arabic language itself, lamenting its potential demise if neglected. The second addressed Arabic scholars and faculty, urging unity and dedication to advancing the language. The third message encouraged students to aspire to elevate the language, viewing themselves as its guardians and advocates.
The celebration showcased a variety of cultural presentations including poetry recitation, a scientific symposium addressing the preservation and global presence of the Arabic language. Moderated by Dr. Abdullah Al-Anbar, the symposium featured insights from prominent figures such as Professor Ma’moun Hattab, Dr. Hanan Amayreh, Dr. Omar Al-Fajawi, and Dr. Youssef Bani Yaseen, highlighting Arabic as a symbol of heritage, identity, and a bridge between generations