Celebrating Arabic: A Linguistic Journey Across Time and Cultures

World Arabic Language Day, celebrated annually on December 18, honors the cultural, scientific, and historical significance of Arabic, a language spoken by over 400 million people and cherished as the liturgical language of Islam. As Giorgia Valente reports for The Media Line, this day was established by UNESCO in 2010 to commemorate Arabic’s adoption as one of the six official languages of the United Nations in 1973. Arabic’s rich history dates back to the eighth or ninth century BCE, long before the revelation of the Quran, and its evolution continues to shape civilizations worldwide.

Experts such as Luca D’Anna, a professor of Arabic dialectology, shed light on Arabic’s diglossic nature, which distinguishes between classical Arabic (Fusha) and spoken dialects. Contrary to popular belief, these dialects did not evolve from Fusha but have coexisted for centuries. Despite the wide variations among dialects, modern technology and media have bridged linguistic gaps, allowing younger generations to connect with both Standard Arabic and regional varieties. Even historically challenging dialects, like Moroccan Darija, are gaining prominence due to cultural and social media influences.

Valente’s report highlights Arabic’s enduring ability to unite cultures, from ancient texts to modern rap. To explore the language’s dynamic evolution further, readers are encouraged to read the full article and listen to the accompanying audio, where various speakers showcase the diversity of Arabic dialects. As D’Anna aptly states, “Arabic is not merely a language—it is a testament to humanity’s shared heritage and boundless creativity.”