In an ongoing effort to spread knowledge of Arabic culture and heritage, the Department of English and Translation (DET) at the Faculty of Humanities (FH) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) organized a symposium on the foundations of Arabic language and literature. Aiming to enrich attendees’ understanding of their native language, the event was divided into various panels, with each tackling distinct literary elements and aspects of the topic.
At the start of the event, Dr. Maria Bou Zeid, Dean at the Faculty of Humanities, delivered an address where she highlighted the University and Faculty’s prominent role in disseminating values of the Arabic culture to the highest extent possible. Dr. Bou Zeid also mentioned the significance of cherishing our rich heritage and culture, particularly since they reflect our legacy and identity. She concluded by reiterating the critical need to persist in promoting our native language through developed curricula and programs, especially at a time where artificial intelligence and technological developments hold the potential to threaten its core existence.
In his turn, NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury recognized the challenges surrounding current understanding and appreciation of Arabic language and literature. According to him, the main issue requires the implementation of rigorous approaches within the academic sector – approaches that would drive Lebanese students to become passionate learners of their mother tongue. Such measures, however, would necessitate comprehensive collective efforts and action that begin in primary school and at early childhood stages. Fr. Khoury’s speech was then followed by an eloquent and inspiring poem delivery by Lebanese voice actor Jihad Al-Atrash.
During the inaugural panel of the conference, which focused predominantly on the challenges of teaching Arabic language and literature, Dr. Nihale El Khoury, Lecturer at the Faculty of Humanities, explored the overarching perception of the Arabic language. In an era where colloquial dialects vie for dominance, engendering linguistic dichotomy, it's undeniable that our mother tongue is under considerable strain. This predicament is further exacerbated by the prominence of foreign languages and virtual communication platforms. As a final note, Dr. El Khoury aptly underscored the imperative for concerted action to safeguard our valuable cultural asset.
The panel also included various interventions by notable scholars like Dr. Dorine Nasr, Faculty Instructor at the University of Balamand, who provided her insights on the matter. Moreover, Dr. Maha Jarjour, Professor at the Lebanese University, examined the crucial role of universities and institutions in integrating the Arabic language in programs of study. The rest of the panel saw discussions by FH Lecturers Dr. Tony Zaouk and Dr. Gloria Khater, alongside Dr. Georges Abdel Massih, Head of the Lexicology Department at the Librairie du Liban, who respectively discussed present Arabic language standards in academic institutions, the role of arts in influencing such standards, and the power of critical thinking to shape the level of Arabic language locally.
As for the event’s second panel, discussions mainly revolved around the current challenges related to the advancement of Arabic language and literature. Dr. Rania Ajaltouni, FH Lecturer, presided over this part of the symposium, providing attendees with a brief overview of what awaits them. The discussion was then led by Dr. Rouba Saba, Former Representative of the Ministry of Culture in French Universities; Dr. Nabil Ayoub, Lecturer at the Lebanese University; and Dr. Latif Zeitouni, Arabic Professor at the Lebanese American University (LAU). Each of the speakers analyzed different elements behind the foundations of Arabic language and literature. Dr. Saba covered issues like globalization and modernization, which undoubtedly greatly affect the sustainability and existence of the Arabic language as we know it. Subsequently, Dr. Ayoub and Dr. Zeitouni took a more practical approach, studying several aspects shaping the Arabic literature being taught at schools and universities.
The linguistic skills and abilities of students were also showcased on stage during a theatrical play prepared by Dr. Salma Abdallah, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Humanities. In Dr. Abdallah’s words, such educational initiatives could potentially enrich curricula by imbuing them with an aesthetic dimension. By transcending the confines of traditional learning and breathing life into academic content through captivating visuals and narratives, Dr. Abdallah maintains that educational theater not only captivates learners but also enhances comprehension and retention, enabling viewers to experience a deeper engagement and understanding of language.
Concluding the event, Dr. Maya El Hajj, Chairperson at the Department of English and Translation, restated the urgent need to find ways to overcome the challenges threatening the advancement of Arabic language. Dr. El Hajj also called for collaborative efforts within the educational sector to align language teaching with the evolving needs of society. She ended her address by affirming a commitment to action, announcing practical measures such as workshops on innovative Arabic language teaching methods in collaboration with participating schools.
Overall, the symposium represented a rallying call for the preservation and renewal of Arabic language and literature, as well as a beacon of hope for a future in which our cultural legacy thrives. By enabling academic experts, scholars, and students to voice their opinions and express their various viewpoints on the matter, the event marked a turning point in the University’s collective attempt to uphold Lebanon’s cultural identity and ensure its ongoing existence for future generations.