Dubai: A Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) initiative to strengthen the use of the Arabic language across the world has reached millions of Arabs with its hashtag, and now, in its fourth edition, seeks to continue its mission in promoting the language.
On Wednesday, the MBRF launched the latest edition of the initiative #BilArabi (InArabic) to inspire Arabs, young and old, to show their support in preserving the language by using it as their primary form of communication over social media.
Coinciding with World Arabic Language Day (WALD), also known as UN Arabic Language Day, observed annually on December 18, the week-long initiative also being supported by other countries like Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, will include a number of events and activities which aim to raise awareness about the importance of using the language and ensuring it is present and used on all platforms, organisers said.
Jamal Bin Huwaireb, managing director of MBRF, said that over the last four years, millions of Arabs interacted with the initiative and were committed to spreading awareness on the importance of using the language.
“The language is not in danger, but the people of the language are [as a result of regional conflicts], which means there is a threat that their identity, culture, history, civilisation and future is lost. Hand in hand, every Arab should help preserve this beautiful language, which has a great history behind it, and enhance its use in all areas,” he said.
Bin Huwaireb said that Arabs need to work together for the future of the language. “We need to reach our youth first and teach them how to love their language and practise it on a daily basis… A very effective step to promote the use of the language is through social media.”
In 2013, he said, the hashtag reached 70 million people, in 2014 it reached 200 million while in 2015 it reached 500 million.
“The initiative has been able to generate more content in Arabic on the web, and with the current 155 million Arab internet users, we want to push for more content in Arabic as it is currently not enough.”
In its fourth year, Bin Huwaireb announced that the initiative boasts a busy events calendar meant to appeal to all segments of society.
“Most notable of these events include the e-panel discussions with prominent decision makers in the UAE. The discussions seek to explore subjects related to the Arabic language and the challenges it faces, providing participants with an opportunity to communicate directly with these influential figures.”
The foundation will be installing booths for Bil Arabi at more than 10 locations around the UAE, where people can take part in an event that requires them to read Wamadat Min Fikr by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as well as a number of books published by MBRF’s publishing arm, Qindeel Printing and Publishing. “
The books cover a number of subjects including innovation, happiness, and tolerance. Participants will be videotaped reading parts of the books; the footage will then be condensed in one video that will be broadcast on YouTube.
“The hashtag #Bil_Arabi is set to see massive interaction across social media platforms as users take part in the initiative and share posts about its various events,” he added.
The initiative also includes the creation of the largest collage made up of the photos of community members supporting and taking part in Bil Arabi. Once completed, the artwork will be displayed in the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) area of Dubai.
