Arabic Language Day
Arabic Language Day is an annual celebration that promotes the importance and cultural significance of the Arabic language. It recognizes Arabic as one of the most widely spoken languages globally and highlights its contributions to literature, science, and the arts.
Quick facts
- When is it?: December 18th
- Tagged as: Cultural celebration, Language awareness
- What’s the hashtag?: #ArabicLanguageDay
- When was it founded?: 2010
- Who founded it?: UNESCO
History of Arabic Language Day
UNESCO established Arabic Language Day in 2010 to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity. The date, December 18th, was chosen to commemorate the United Nations General Assembly’s decision in 1973 to include Arabic as one of its official languages.
Timeline
- 632: The Quran is written in Classical Arabic
- 8th century: Numerous poems and works are written in Arabic
- 1973: Arabic becomes the sixth official language of the UN
- 2010: UNESCO establishes World Arabic Language Day
- 2012: First official celebration of World Arabic Language Day
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 18 | Thursday |
| 2026 | December 18 | Friday |
| 2027 | December 18 | Saturday |
| 2028 | December 18 | Monday |
| 2029 | December 18 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | December 18 | Wednesday |
Observed
Arabic Language Day is celebrated worldwide, particularly in Arabic-speaking countries and at UNESCO headquarters. Events include cultural performances, lectures, exhibitions, and language workshops.
Fun Facts About Arabic Language Day
- Arabic is spoken by over 420 million people worldwide
- It belongs to the Afro-Asiatic language family
- Arabic has influenced many European languages, including English
- The Arabic alphabet consists of 28 letters
- Arabic is written from right to left
Quiz
- When is Arabic Language Day celebrated?
- Who established Arabic Language Day?
- How many people speak Arabic worldwide?
(Answers: 1. December 18th, 2. UNESCO, 3. Over 420 million)
FAQs
Q: Why was December 18th chosen for Arabic Language Day?
A: It marks the day in 1973 when the UN General Assembly adopted Arabic as its sixth official language.
Q: How can I participate in Arabic Language Day?
A: You can attend cultural events, learn basic Arabic phrases, read Arabic literature, or share information about Arabic culture on social media.
Importance of Arabic Language Day
Arabic Language Day promotes linguistic diversity, cultural understanding, and the preservation of Arabic heritage. It highlights the language’s historical contributions to science, literature, and philosophy while fostering dialogue between different cultures.
Related
- International Mother Language Day
- World Poetry Day
- International Translation Day
- World Book Day
- UNESCO World Heritage Day