We fear the emergence of generations that are satisfied with a superficial knowledge of the Arabic language that does not link it to their identity and national conscience

The Speaker of the Federal National Council, Saqr Ghobash, in his comment on the report of the Committee in his opening speech to discuss a report prepared by the Council’s Education, Culture, Youth, Sports and Media Affairs Committee, regarding the government’s policy in enhancing the role and status of the Arabic language as an “official language of the state” and an essential component of the national identity, affirmed that the National Council today is discussing a topic that goes beyond the boundaries of language as a means of communication to the fact that it is an inherent pillar of the national identity and an essential pillar of the components of correct national upbringing.

Ghobash said during today’s session of the Federal National Council: “The National Council’s choice of this topic for research and discussion came based on the reality and observations we live in our daily reality within the family, in schools, and in the digital space, where we notice a decline in the presence of the Arabic language among some of our children and grandchildren and in their ability to express it with confidence and depth.”

Ghobash added: “We are not here because of fear for the Arabic language itself, as it is a well-established language that has preserved its status and message, but the real fear is from its weakness in the tongues of our children and grandchildren, and from the emergence of generations that know the Arabic language superficially and do not possess it in a way that connects it to their identity and national conscience.”

He continued: “Discussion of this report is not taking place as a usual parliamentary procedure, but rather as a national responsibility related to the future of our generations and our ability to protect their Arabic language and enhance belonging and loyalty to the homeland. That is why our discussion today will be different from the discussions we are accustomed to in the Council.”

At the conclusion of the session, Ghobash stressed that this time there is no need to return recommendations to the committee, considering that the recommendations are two clear recommendations that reflect the essence of the discussion, as the first recommendation called for the preparation of independent legislation to protect the Arabic language in a way that enhances its presence in education, institutions, services and the digital space and makes its protection a clear national and institutional commitment, while the second recommendation called for the establishment of a national council for national identity and the Arabic language that will coordinate national efforts and follow up on relevant policies in a way that ensures integration between entities and preserves the Arabic language’s position as a pillar of patriotism. And national belonging.