breifictionWhy Is World Arabic Language Day Celebrated on December 18?
On the eighteenth of December, the world celebrates the Arabic language, one of humanity’s oldest and richest languages, the language of civilization and intellect, the keeper of centuries-old cultural and intellectual heritage.
This international recognition did not happen by coincidence, but as a deep acknowledgment of the language’s rich history and its continuing contributions to human civilization. Arabic secured a distinguished position when the United Nations adopted it as an official and working language. Later, UNESCO dedicated an international day to celebrate it, highlighting its status as a living language, rich in concepts, deep in meaning, and capable of carrying cultural and intellectual heritage across generations.
The Origin of the International Decision: Why December 18?
On December 18, 1973, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 3190, making Arabic the sixth official and working language of the UN—alongside English, French, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian.
This decision came as a result of joint efforts by several Arab countries to strengthen the presence of Arabic in international institutions and to grant it official recognition that reflects its historical depth and cultural identity.
This became the foundation that later led to the adoption of World Arabic Language Day, reaffirming its continuous global presence.
UNESCO’s Adoption of the Day
Nearly four decades after Arabic became an official UN language, UNESCO announced in 2012 the adoption of December 18 as World Arabic Language Day.
This decision reflects the distinguished status of Arabic as a language of deep cultural heritage, a bridge that connects diverse cultures, and a vessel rich in knowledge, arts, and intellectual traditions.
Celebrating Arabic allows learners to recognize the profound link between the language, culture, and civilization, and highlights its ability to convey human heritage across generations.
The Arabic Language and Its Global Spread
Arabic is among the most widely spoken languages in the world, spoken by hundreds of millions of people. This makes it a bridge of communication between nations and a gateway to diverse cultural and historical knowledge.
Arabic goes beyond sounds and symbols, it is a comprehensive system of meanings and ideas that reflects the history and experiences of its speakers.
It grants learners access to sciences, arts, and human thought across centuries. Moreover, Arabic played a pivotal role in transmitting scientific knowledge, tying it to a unique and rich intellectual legacy.
Arabic and the World of Knowledge
Since the medieval era, Arabic has been the language of philosophy, science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and the arts.
World Arabic Language Day celebrates this historical role and highlights the language’s contributions to the enrichment of human civilization.
It also reaffirms Arabic’s ability to preserve and transmit knowledge through time, connecting past heritage with future generations.
The Importance of World Arabic Language Day for Non-Native Learners
World Arabic Language Day offers learners a window into understanding Arabic as a complete intellectual and cultural framework, one that reflects a rich and diverse civilization with extensive accumulated knowledge.
Arabic’s rhythm and unique linguistic structure provide a strong tool for cross-cultural communication and help motivate learners to explore its grammatical systems, historical depth, and expressive richness.
The celebration encourages learners to deepen their understanding, improve their expressive abilities, and develop analytical skills in a gradual and meaningful way.
In Conclusion
From all the above, it becomes clear that World Arabic Language Day, celebrated on December 18, is an occasion that honors Arabic as a living language carrying profound heritage and extensive knowledge.
It serves as a bridge for communication with millions of speakers around the world and grants learners access to a rich cultural space that strengthens their capacity for expression, analysis, and understanding of the deep ties between language, history, and civilization.
Edited by:
Allimni Al-Arabiya Team
References:
Why Did December 18 Become World Arabic Language Day?
https://www.egypt2.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9…
December 18 – World Arabic Language Day
https://www.aljazeera.net/encyclopedia/2015/12/16/…
World Arabic Language Day – Wikipedia
https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/…
