8 principles that consolidate the presence of the Arabic language in education, media and politics

Tools of Sovereignty and Unity

The policy emphasized, in its fundamental principles, that language represents one of the most important tools of sovereignty and national unity, as it constitutes the means of communication between the people of one state, and between the state and its society, which makes the construction of society’s culture and trends closely linked to language.

It stressed that language is the element of distinction by which every nation is independent, and that linguistic independence represents a basic pillar of independence. Cultural, civilizational, and national.

Linguistic policies

The policy explained that language also represents cultural security, as it is the foundation on which civilizations and cultures are built, and on which the identity of individuals and nations is built, noting that conscious countries were quick to enact regulations and build linguistic policies that preserve their identity, enhance their distinction, and support the survival of their language, considering the language a security, cultural, economic, and social pillar of the state and society.

In the context of identity, the policy affirmed that language is the vessel of culture, the incubator of civilization, and the main component of national identity, and that the Arab linguistic identity of the Kingdom confirms that it is the source of Arabic and its historical and cultural depth.

It paid special attention to the childhood stage, considering language a central element in shaping the child’s awareness of himself, his belonging, his history, and his culture, and the reflection of this on the future of society as a whole.

Principles Binding

The policy was based on 8 main principles, the first of which was to emphasize that the Arabic language is the official language of the Kingdom, and that its officiality is reflected in all aspects of life, as public agencies work to use it in all their work, with the possibility of using another language when needed, and the private and non-profit sectors are also encouraged to use it in communication, in accordance with applicable regulations, with the issuance of guidelines that enhance its presence in society.

The second principle stressed strengthening the position of the Arabic language in education, based on the centrality of education in Forming identity and culture, so that the basic principle is to use Arabic as the language of instruction at all educational levels, enabling learners to acquire knowledge and linguistic skills properly, and consolidating Arabic culture and its intellectual and cultural heritage.

Enhancing the presence of Arabic

With regard to the general linguistic scene, the third principle stipulates the necessity of enhancing the presence of Arabic in contracts, certificates, medals, informational and commercial signs, invoices, advertisements, names of places, initiatives, conferences, and seminars, in a way that reflects its position in the public space.

As for the field of scientific research, the policy emphasized enabling the presence of Arabic in universities and research institutions, by supporting research in language sciences and its relationship to various aspects of life, activating interdisciplinary studies, and developing scientific publishing in the Arabic language in various disciplines, in a way that enhances its cultural and scientific interaction.

Linguistic identity

In the media field, the policy emphasized highlighting the Arabic language in its appropriate image in various media outlets, and providing media materials in it or translating them into it, in a way that contributes In enabling its proper use and reflecting the Saudi Arabian linguistic identity.

It focused on consolidating the use of Arabic in the field of business, by enabling its presence in administrative aspects, correspondence, employment and communication, activating linguistic investment outlets and presenting initiatives with economic returns, in a way that turns the language into a development and investment tributary.

Cultural and artistic products

At the international level, the policy emphasized the importance of activating the presence of Arabic in contexts of international communication, such as conferences, official meetings and international forums inside and outside the Kingdom, Providing translation when there is a need to use another language, in a way that enhances the status of Arabic globally.

In the cultural and artistic aspect, the policy called on the concerned authorities to enhance the presence of the Arabic language in cultural and artistic activities and products, as it is an essential pillar of the Saudi national identity.