Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Culture and Youth in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre has organised a panel discussion titled “Arab Language, Identity and Drama” as part of the first day of the Arabic Language Summit.
The panel included Syrian actor Mr. Jamal Suleiman, Emiratis Ms. Samira Ahmed and Mr. Ahmed Al Jassmi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah National Theatre.
The Arab actors emphasized the importance of drama in bringing the Arabic language closer to new generations, mentioning the importance of the joint efforts of all institutions to develop a plan to produce major dramas in classical Arabic.
It is absurd to put the colloquial language and local dialects in the face of hostility and existential conflict with the classical Arabic language, because language and art must have a dialectical relationship and an interdependence between form and content. The expression of the subject must be in the appropriate linguistic form.
Mr. Jamal Suleiman stated.
The Syrian actor stressed the need to abandon the old traditional methods of teaching Arabic and called for adopting the latest methods that bring younger generations closer to their language.
Ms. Samira Ahmed pointed out the significance of familiarising new generations with the Arabic language from a young age. The Emirati artist objected that many families in Arab societies today focus on teaching their children foreign languages and do not emphasise Arabic as much.
Artist Ms. Samira Ahmed called for paying more attention to school theatre and presenting works in classical Arabic and not judging the generation for not liking the Arabic language.
According to Mr. Ahmed Al Jassmi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah National Theatre, digital platforms have a great impact on new generations, and therefore, institutions, individuals, and families must take measures to enhance the link between new generations in their mother tongue.