International Arabic Language Day at the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, UNSA Faculty of Philosophy
On Thursday, 19 December 2024, the event titled Days of Arabic Language (16-19 December) concluded. Continuing a cherished tradition, the International Arabic Language Day was celebrated this academic year at the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo.
On Monday, 16 December, the book “Adverbials of Place, Time, and Manner in the Arabic Language,” authored by Prof. Drs. Elma Dizdar and Amra Mulović, was presented to the wider public. This study employs analytical-descriptive methods and a typological-functional approach to analyze the category of adverbials from various perspectives. The book thus represents a unique university textbook for students of the Arabic language, systematically and comprehensively presenting adverbials of place, time, and manner for the first time, illustrated through examples drawn from an extensive body of literary works. The audience was introduced to the book by Prof. Drs. Sabina Bakšić and Munir Drkić, with moderation by Almin Mahmutović, MA.
On the second day of the event, Tuesday, December 17, the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Philosophy welcomed His Excellency Mr. Walid Ahmed Abdelfattah Haggag, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Bosnia and Herzegovina. During this visit, the Ambassador met with the faculty administration to discuss potential strengthening of cooperation between institutions under the framework of a collaboration protocol. Additionally, His Excellency delivered a lecture to the students of the Department, presenting and discussing Egyptian history, tradition, culture, as well as bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The central event of Arabic Language Days took place at our Faculty on 18 December, witnessing a substantial turnout of enthusiasts of Arabic language and culture. Among the guests, in addition to students from primary and secondary schools in the Sarajevo Canton where Arabic is taught, we highlight the esteemed guest, His Excellency Mr. Toufik Milat, the Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The program organized by the students of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, in collaboration with faculty members and associates, offered attendees a wealth of information about the Arabic language, including recitals, skits, monologues, and musical performances, all intended to convey a passion for the study and subject matter.
The final day of the event (Thursday, December 19) was reserved for two programs. Contestants and attendees had the opportunity to enjoy themselves, win valuable prizes, and acquire new knowledge of the Arabic language through a quiz, a social game prepared by the students of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature. Following the quiz, the students delightfully showcased a variety of savory and sweet dishes from Arabic cuisine, followed by a tasting session.
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As a reminder, 18 December has been celebrated as International Arabic Language Day since 2012, coinciding with the date in 1973 when the United Nations General Assembly accepted Arabic as the organization's sixth official language. Today, more than 300 million people speak Arabic, making it an official language in 24 countries worldwide.
Arabic language and literature have been studied at the Faculty of Philosophy since its establishment in 1950, within the Department of Oriental Philology (formerly known as the Department of Oriental Languages, Department of Oriental Languages and Literatures, and Department of Oriental Studies).
