The UN Arabic Language Day is observed annually on December 18. In response to the event, the Department of Arabic Language and Culture of the National Chengchi University (NCCU) will hold a special exhibition revolving around Arabian clothing from Dec. 19 to 21 at NCCU Dah Hsian Seetoo Library.
Those attended the opening ceremony on Dec. 19 included NCCU President Li Tsai-yen (李蔡彥), Department of Arabic Language and Culture Chair Su I-wen (蘇怡文) and Associate Professor Mahmoud Abdeldeen, Taiwan Ambassador Cheng Tai-hsiang (鄭泰祥), Director General Jack Kuei (桂業勤) of the Department of Cultural Exchange of the Ministry of Culture, representative Adel Fahad A. Althaidi of the Saudi Arabian Commercial Office in Taiwan, Director Nabeel Al-Tel of the Jordanian Commercial Office, director Sulaiman Sultan Salim AI Mughairy of the Commercial Office of the Sultanate of Oman-Taiwan, and other distinguished guests.
The Arabic language was adopted as a United Nations official working language on Dec. 18, 1973 by virtue of a United Nations General Assembly resolution. To promote the beautiful language, the World Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on Dec. 18 since 2012.
At the ceremony, NCCU President Li, specially wearing the Arabic traditional attire, stated that NCCU's Department of Arabic Language and Culture, which is the only department in Taiwan to teach the Arabic language, has a long history. Over the years, the institution has cultivated numerous economic, trade, and diplomatic talents. He thanked Chair Su and Associate Professor Mahmoud Abdeldeen for their efforts in organizing the exhibition for students to gain a broad understanding of Arabic culture. He emphasized that NCCU values cultural diversity as it holds special exhibitions every year for different national cultures.
Associate Professor of the Arabic Language and Culture Department Mahmoud Abdeldeen said the exhibition is committed to showing a variety of Arabic clothes and costumes and trying to break the stereotypes of Arabic clothing. Through the in-depth introduction and physical clothing display in the exhibition, the public can get a glimpse of the real Arabic world.
Adel Fahad A. Althaidi, representative of the Saudi Arabian Trade Office in Taipei said he is pleased that the Arabic language is gaining more attention in Taiwan.
Director of the Jordanian Commercial Office Nabeel Al-Tel stated that the Arabic language is one of the most widespread languages in the world with around 450 million people using it every day, adding that the language also exerts its influence on the development of human civilization.
Running from Dec. 19 to 21, visitors are welcome to learn more about Arabian garments at the Dah Hsian Seetoo Library. All the exhibition text is presented in three languages: Chinese, English, and Arabic. It is also worth mentioning that with digital humanities in mind, QR codes are printed on posters, linking visitors to materials about Arabian history and culture.
(Photo courtesy of NCCU)