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World Arabic Language Day, celebrated every December 18, is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the place occupied by this ancient language in Lebanese society. In Lebanon, Arabic is not just a tool of communication. It is the pillar of a rich identity, forged by centuries of history, and a vector of cultural creation through exceptional literary figures. However, its future in the land of cedars raises questions in the face of the emergence of foreign languages and the challenges of globalization.
A language at the crossroads of influences
Lebanon occupies a unique position in the Arab world. A crossroads between East and West, it has always been fertile ground for linguistic and cultural exchanges. If Arabic is the official language, French and English occupy an important place, both in educational institutions and in the media. This multilingual coexistence, although often perceived as an asset, fuels a recurring debate: that of the preservation of Arabic in the face of a certain cultural erosion.
In the country’s major schools and universities, more and more subjects are taught in English or French, often to the detriment of Arabic. This phenomenon, coupled with the rise of technologies and social networks, accentuates the risk of generational disenchantment with a language perceived by some young people as less modern. However, Arabic is at the heart of Lebanese identity, and it remains an essential vector of collective memory.
A radiant literary tradition
Despite the challenges, Lebanon continues to be a land of literary creation in the Arabic language. For centuries, it has seen the birth of authors and thinkers who have marked the cultural history of the Arab world. Among them, Gibran Khalil Gibranalthough also writing in English, gave the world major works in Arabic, including Rebel Spiritswhich address the struggles for freedom and justice.
Another essential name is that of Mikhail Naimafounding member of the famous League of the Feather (Al-Rabita al-Qalamiyya), which largely contributed to modernizing Arabic literature by integrating philosophical and spiritual themes. His essays, poems and plays continue to inspire new generations.
Lebanese poetry, for its part, was carried by figures such as Said Aklknown for his mastery of classical Arabic and his commitment to a distinct Lebanese identity. His poetic style, imbued with mysticism and elegance, influenced many Arabic-speaking writers.
More recently, contemporary authors like Hoda Barakatwinner of the prestigious international prize for Arab fiction, remind us that Arabic remains a language of creativity and reflection on modern issues, whether political, social or identity-related.
Arabic facing contemporary challenges
However, the place of the Arabic language in Lebanon is not limited to its literary dimension. It is also a reflection of political and social tensions. Lebanon’s confessional and community diversity has sometimes influenced attitudes towards Arabic. Some communities perceive it as a unifying language, while others prefer to highlight their belonging to French-speaking or English-speaking cultures.
Faced with these complex dynamics, World Arabic Language Day invites collective reflection. How can we restore Arabic to its central place in education and public life without denying Lebanon’s multilingual heritage? How can we pass on to younger generations the love of a language which carries such a rich tradition while being a tool of modernity?
The role of cultural institutions
Initiatives exist to revive interest in Arabic. Literary festivals, like those organized in Beirut, highlight Arabic-speaking authors. Schools are encouraged to diversify their teaching approaches to make learning Arabic more accessible and attractive. But these efforts remain insufficient without a real national policy to promote the language.
On this symbolic day, it is essential to remember that Arabic is not simply an ancient and poetic language. It is a mirror of the aspirations and struggles of the Lebanese people, a link with the past and a window open to the future. It is through it that the cultural and social renewal of Lebanon will be written, in part.
The Arabic language, in Lebanon as elsewhere, is a wealth that must be cherished, protected and worn with pride. It is a living testimony to a shared history and an unparalleled capacity for resilience in the face of the challenges of the present.
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