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Art is vital to keeping Arabic language, identity alive

Dubai - Under the slogan "Arabic: the language of culture," the Arabic Language Forum discussed its status as primary cultural component

The performing arts and cinema are necessary to keep the Arabic language and identity alive, said a UAE minister on Thursday.
Speaking during the fifth edition of the Arabic language forum, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, stressed on the importance of art to promote and strengthen the Arabic language among the youth.
"We dedicated the forum this year to emphasise the role art and culture play in spreading the right form of the language," said Al Nahyan.
"Cultural activities, and especially theatre, are comprehensive works that can connect language to people's lives and bring the society closer together."
He added that the importance does not lie in the right linguistic use of Arabic, as much as the emotions and meanings that the language carries.
"Music, theatre, film and media are influential tools to the mind and the best platforms for imagination and innovation."
Under the slogan "Arabic: the language of culture," the forum discussed the status of the Arabic language as a main component of culture. Emirati playwright, actor and the ministry's cultural advisor Dr. Habib Ghuloom stressed on investing in high quality theatre and cinema productions.
"Visual arts have the advantage of delivering the message to a wide audience, but the key lies in investing in main elements such as lighting, costumes and props to make it visually appealing," said Ghuloom.
He added that directors and producers should create art that makes "social media material."
"Audiences, nowadays, look for something different. They are visually driven, especially by social media. When making art, always think how will it look like in pictures on social media."
He urged artists to take advantage of the government's supporting initiatives, events and exhibitions.
"In other countries, people spend money to attend forums, but the UAE government always takes the initiative to hold various cultural events. I advice artists to take this opportunity and use the government's support to create more art."
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com