Arab Canadians Celebrate Heritage on World Arabic Language Day

World Arabic Language Day on December 18 highlighted the efforts of Arab Canadians to preserve and promote their language and culture. This annual observance, established by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2012, marks the adoption of Arabic as the sixth official language of the United Nations in 1973.

In various cities across Canada, community members are actively engaging in initiatives to keep Arabic alive among younger generations. For instance, parents are choosing to enroll their children in schools like the Waterdown Islamic School in Hamilton, Ontario, where students learn Arabic daily rather than just once or twice a week. Leileh Zaidi, a teacher at the school, emphasized the importance of multilingualism, stating, “As a mother, I think it is important for children to learn several languages; it opens many doors to them, so the more the better.”

In Vancouver, the My Roots Arabic School is making strides in teaching Arabic dialects alongside Classical Arabic. Manager Maha Nagi explained that their curriculum is designed to preserve cultural roots by incorporating various dialects, including Syrian, Lebanese, and Egyptian. This approach not only fosters language skills but also strengthens cultural identity.

Individual initiatives are also flourishing within the community. Hiba Kalakehce has developed a series of books that emphasize dialects, aiming to help children connect with their Arab heritage. As a speech specialist, Kalakehce ensures that each story includes phrases for students to learn, along with reference documents that resemble a dictionary.

To further encourage language practice, community events are being organized, where participants can win prizes for their language skills. Imad Hallak, founder of the Salsabil Al Dhad project, highlighted the challenge of limited application opportunities for children. He pointed out that while parents are eager to teach their children Arabic, the lack of practice at home—often due to English and French being the primary languages spoken—can hinder their progress.

The desire to reconnect with the Arabic language is not limited to children. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has spurred individuals like Nael Abu Jazzar to relearn Arabic in their adulthood. At 35 years old, Abu Jazzar reflects on missed opportunities during his childhood when he was told that proficiency in English was sufficient for success. “The Arabic language is not easy. It’s one of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn,” he shared, noting that the current situation has motivated him to deepen his understanding of the language.

Artistic expressions of the Arabic language also play a significant role in cultural preservation. Yasser Watad is building a career in Canada that introduces Arabic calligraphy to both Arabs and non-Arabs. He believes that the beauty of Arabic words captivates many, including those unfamiliar with the language. Watad quoted Pablo Picasso, who remarked on the profound impact Arabic calligraphy had on his understanding of abstract art.

Arabic calligraphy itself has various forms, including metal engravings that often feature verses from the Quran or popular proverbs. Calligrapher Hamid Royed explained the creativity involved in this art form, stating, “There are a hundred ways to draw a letter which gives the calligrapher the room to be creative.” He emphasized that the richness of the Arabic language, characterized by its three-letter root system and fluid writing style, enhances the art of calligraphy.

World Arabic Language Day serves as an important reminder of the need to cherish and promote the Arabic language and culture, particularly within the diaspora. As the community takes active steps to educate the younger generation, the hope is that the language will thrive for years to come.