DOHA: The first National Identity Seminar organised by Qatar Heritage and Identity Centre concluded yesterday with a call to preserve the Arabic language as essential to preserving national identity.
“The main pillar of identity is language and it must be preserved. Language is vital for our identity, and we have witnessed how our language has been influenced by the addition of words from other languages and cultures. In such an open world like ours, it is imperative that we develop software and applications that encourage and facilitate the use of Arabic language on open platforms like social media,” said Dr Saeed bin Tefla, former Kuwaiti minister of information and culture.
Dr Fatima Al Suweidy, Deputy Chief of Arabic Language Department, Qatar University, said: “Language and identity have always been related, and it is crucial to develop the methodology of teaching our language. Arabic is facing a challenge be it through poor curricula, lack of motivation among teachers or not enough training. Overcoming these challenges is essential to preserving our identity.”
Mohammed Ali Abdullah, expert in cultural architecture, said identity reflects notions that people acquire throughout their lives, and is usually influenced by language, culture, social traditions and location.
“Architectural identity is no different, and the identity of architecture in the Gulf is unique in every shape and form. An attempt to preserve a ‘pure’ identity based on ethnicity, religion and culture is unrealistic, as we aim to enrich our culture and others, yet opening up to other cultures.”
Under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the seminar concluded at Al Sharq Village with recommendations to reinforce national identity. The two-day event, sponsored by Vodafone, saw a line-up of speakers discussing factors impacting Qatar’s national identity in addition to topics pertaining to the significance of conserving a country’s national identity. The Peninsula
