Language is the vessel of identity, and a person who takes pride in their language holds onto their cultural and civilizational roots. It serves as a bridge connecting them to their past and prepares them for engagement in their nation's future. Language is not merely a means of communication; it is the key to knowledge and cultures, a tool for opening horizons of thought and creativity. In the absence of proficiency in classical Arabic, a person struggles to keep up with scientific and cultural advancements and remains confined within local cultures that may restrict them within the boundaries of their environment.
A speaker of classical Arabic, even in the most remote rural areas, represents culture and awareness. The fluency of their speech opens doors to leadership and influence within their community, as language grants them the ability to express themselves and stand out among their peers. It propels them towards a continuous pursuit of knowledge and learning. Thanks to its profound influence, a speaker of classical Arabic can transform into a skilled orator, a leader in their community, or an active participant in social reform.
The thinker Mustafa Sadik Al-Rafii emphasized the importance of language in preserving the dignity and pride of nations, stating: “No language of a people has ever been humiliated without them being humiliated, nor has a language diminished except their affairs were in decline.” These words succinctly capture the close relationship between language and the rise of a nation, asserting that preserving Arabic is synonymous with maintaining its prestige, and neglecting it means compromising its future and status.
The Arabic Language and Cultural Identity Formation
The Arabic language enhances the feeling of belonging to the Arab and Islamic identity, as it is one of the most important factors of cultural unity among Arab peoples, despite their various dialects and ethnicities. It is the language of the Holy Quran, which forms the spiritual and cultural foundation for Muslims worldwide. Through it, an individual connects with their religious culture, lives its spiritual values, and engages with the rich Islamic heritage, from religious texts to literature, poetry, and philosophy.
A study published in the "Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies" indicated that the Arabic language plays a central role in shaping the Islamic identity of individuals, as it helps bolster pride in belonging to a nation rooted in deep history.
As for the role of the Arabic language as a bridge for communication between generations, it contributes to the transfer of knowledge and values from one generation to another, forming the cultural and linguistic link that connects the past with the present. Language is not merely a tool for communication among individuals; it is also a medium for conveying heritage and traditions. Through both ancient and modern Arabic poetry, literary prose, and religious texts, children find themselves connected to their past and acquire the vocabulary of collective identity.
Thus, the Arabic language is not just a means of expression; it embodies the identity of the Arab and Islamic nation and reflects its authenticity. Preserving Arabic means preserving history, heritage, and the values that shape the personality of the Arab individual.
Language as a Key to Developing the Arab Personality
Achieving a high level of Arab personality cannot occur without first mastering the Arabic language, which directly reflects on one’s culture and ability to be a beneficial member of their community, connecting with various stages of knowledge. Language is not merely a means of expression; it is also a vessel for sciences, arts, and literature, making it a fundamental element in building the Arab personality and its religious, ethical, and cultural identity.
Many scholars point out that building a conscious personality, with a high level of understanding of the precise meanings of religious texts from the Quran, Sunnah, and heritage, requires a good grasp of the rules and vocabulary of the Arabic language. Some expand on the importance of the Arabic language, emphasizing that the necessity to learn and master it extends to all Muslims around the world, as accurately understanding the Holy Quran and the prophetic traditions cannot be accomplished without learning Arabic.
The Role of Language in Building Scientific Personality
The Arabic language is considered the cornerstone in building a successful student of knowledge, as it plays a pivotal role in understanding sciences and knowledge. Mastery of the language enables the student to deeply comprehend academic and religious texts, making it easier for him to derive essential ideas and concepts.
When a student learns the language well, he becomes capable of expressing his opinions and thoughts clearly, enhancing his ability to communicate effectively with others. Language is not merely a means of communication; it is a tool for understanding the world around us, opening new horizons of knowledge for the student.
Moreover, the Arabic language contributes to strengthening the cultural and religious identity of the student, making him more connected to his heritage and history. Through studying Arabic literature and religious texts, the student deepens his understanding of the values and principles that form the basis of society.
The language enhances the student's ability for critical and analytical thinking, preparing him to face academic and professional challenges in the future. Therefore, building a successful student of knowledge requires special attention to teaching the Arabic language and continuously developing his linguistic skills.
Language as a Maker of Will in the Face of Cultural Invasion
It is scientifically and realistically established that a person who is proficient in Arabic possesses a cultural reservoir that enables them to communicate with their peers and society, unlike those who have problems mastering their Arabic language; they tend to avoid conversations with their peers and are often characterized by isolation, introversion, or extreme shyness. All of this reflects an internal fear of failure or ridicule from others when engaging in conversations that lack linguistic richness, depth of culture, and knowledge. The Arabic language serves as a social weapon that protects our children and youth from the ailments that isolate them from their communities.
The Arabic language gives those who master it fluency of speech, clarity of insight, and confidence in expressing ideas, due to its diverse vocabulary and richness of meanings. The language also contributes to unifying society and its overall mood. According to the German thinker Fichte, those who speak one language form an integrated entity with solid, albeit invisible, bonds.
It is essential to recognize that education plays a special role in enhancing the Arabic language in building personality; it is the fundamental bridge through which nations move to shape the national, ethnic, religious, and cultural identity of members of society. There must be a link between the main objectives of teaching Arabic and its curricula; the foremost goal should be to build an independent personality capable of keeping pace with the times without succumbing to the advances of Western civilization and without drifting behind cultural objectives that aim to strip Arabs of their identity and culture, turning them into followers of all their aims and plans.
Education is the key to establishing concepts of an independent personality capable of challenge and resisting cultural invasion through conscious linguistic curricula that are aware of the surrounding targeting. The curricula should include grammar, Arabic literature, and understanding religious texts, which helps students develop their linguistic skills. Preserving Arabic as the fence that protects Arab children requires concerted efforts from all members of society, starting from the family and school, to the mosque and university.
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