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Arabic Usage

This is with reference to the news ‘Our identity linked to Arabic’ (KT/April 24). The announcement made by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, about nurturing Arabic language is appreciable and encouraging.

A language flourishes under the patronage of government when it is made the official language and the medium of instruction in public and private institutions. If necessary, any other language can be used as a secondary language. Establishment of a translation bureau consisting of highly skilled scholars is necessary Translation of books on various subjects can be translated into Arabic to be used at the primary to university level.

Today, due to the heavy influx of expatriates, the UAE has become the hub of so many nationalities that various languages are being spoken and heard everywhere. In these circumstances, it is highly essential to establish the identity of Arabic, the root language of the region, protect it from tampering and negligence and to enhance its usage. For this purpose, the seven-point initiative provides a guideline for its implementation. By implementing this programme, the UAE will be established as a global centre of excellence for Arabic language and the Emirati identity will be remembered forever. I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to the government for this benevolent initiative.