Muscat: The Ministry of Education, through the Directorate-General of Educational Supervision, organized an event to commemorate International Arabic Language Day, with the theme 'Arabic is the language of poetry and art.'
Under the patronage of Dr. Said bin Saif Al Ameri, Head of Office of the Minister of Education, the ceremony took place in the presence of Dr. Sulaiman Al-Jamoudi, Director-General of the Directorate-General of Educational Supervision, department directors, educational supervisors, and a group of school students. The celebration was held at the theatre of the Directorate-General of Education in Muscat Governorate.
The ceremony commenced with a speech from the Ministry, delivered by Darwish Al-Kayoumi, Director of the Human Sciences Supervision Department.
He stated, "To describe Arabic solely as the language of poets is an inadequate portrayal. The most accurate description is that it is a poetic language, where metaphor and truth converge in a unique manner."
"Arabic is a language of poetry par excellence, and anyone who appreciates this language only needs to glance at its vast linguistic heritage to witness poetry emanating from every letter and word."
"The Arabic language has not only contributed to the development of poetry but also various forms of art. It has inspired calligraphers, engineers, and painters. Its brilliance is evident in the creativity of Islamic architecture found in mosques and palaces, both ancient and modern. It is reflected in rare manuscripts and the diverse styles of Arabic calligraphy that calligraphers and copyists compete to embellish their writings with. Truly, it is the language of the arts and sciences," he added.
The Smart Student School commenced the event with an opening panel presented by the students, followed by a captivating poem titled "Cosmic Breath" by the renowned poet Muhammad bin Saif Al-Abri.
Dr. Mahmoud Al-Riyami then delivered a scientific lecture titled "Arabic, the Language of Poetry and Imagination." He emphasized the significance of poetry in the Arabic language and its enduring presence throughout history, providing illustrative examples. The lecture centered around the theme of this year's International Arabic Language Day: Arabic as the language of poetry and art.
Next, journalist Adel Al-Kasbi moderated a discussion session titled "Talent and Creativity in the Literary Arts." Ahmed Al-Busaidi, an expert in talent and creativity and a founding member of the Arab Council for Creativity and Innovation, delved into the definition of talent, the distinction between talented and brilliant students, the barriers that hinder the emergence and proliferation of gifted individuals, and the essential qualities and characteristics of gifted and creative people.
Dr. Wafa Al Shamsi, a lecturer at the United Arab Emirates University and a member of the Scientific Committee of the ALECSO Chair in Child Service, shared strategies for fostering creative work and empowering students with creative thinking skills. She emphasized the importance of creative skills in crafting short stories or plays and achieving creative production.
Fatima Al Zaabi, Supervisor of Learning Difficulties, shed light on the societal and institutional activities that contribute to the recognition of gifted individuals in the literary arts. She discussed the role of institutions in developing and promoting literary arts among students, as well as the classroom activities that aid in nurturing gifted students. Additionally, she emphasized the crucial role of parents in this aspect.
Poet Aisha bint Humaid Al Jamei captivated the audience with her recitation of a poem titled "You Who Robbed the Lovers."
The teams from Muscat and South Al Batinah engaged in a thought-provoking debate. The topic of the debate revolved around the proliferation of dialects in teaching methods and modern media, which has resulted in the deterioration of the Arabic language.
The event came to an end with the recitation of poetry by Ola Al Owaisi and Iman Al Mahrouqi, students from Dohat Al Adab School for Basic Education. Additionally, Rahma Al Aisari from Amra bint Rawaha School for Basic Education presented the Promising Speaker segment.
It is important to mention that the purpose of celebrating the International Arabic Language Day is to elevate the significance of the Arabic language, promote a sense of belonging to it, and foster meaningful discussions on linguistic and educational topics related to the theme of the celebration: Arabic as the language of poetry and the arts. Moreover, the event also aimed to showcase the talents of students in various literary fields.
