The 31st Doha International Book Fair organiaed a seminar on Saturday evening titled "Cultural Security: Future and Responsibility", within the framework of the cultural activities accompanying the exhibition, currently in session at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre under the slogan "Knowledge is Light". The seminar was attended by HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, and a group of intellectuals.
HE the Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, Head of Diplomatic Studies Programme at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Dr Marwan Kabalan, and writer and journalist Yasser Abu Hilala took part in the seminar which was moderated by writer and the journalist Jassim Salman.
Dr al-Kawari presented a working paper entitled "Arabic Language: Our National Security," in which he stressed that language is a determinant of the existence of a nation and the existence of a civilization for this nation.
Dr al-Kawari noted that when the West occupied the lands of the Arabs and Islam, it made most of its focus on weakening the Arabic language, because by weakening it, the nation weakens its heritage and its components.
He added that the threat that affects the Arabic language currently will affect the Arab culture, stressing the importance of preserving the Arabic language as a priority in the cultural security.
Dr al-Kawari explained that the term "cultural security" emerged as a result of sensing the imminent danger faced by the local culture against the culture of Western globalisation, which is characterised by capitalism and consumer life.
Dr al-Kawari reiterated that the Arabic language is the shield of identity, praising in this regard the affirmation of the State of Qatar in its constitution in Article (1) of Chapter One on that tight link between the Arabic language and the national identity.
He also praised Law No.(7) of 2019 on the protection of the Arabic language, as well as the Shura Councils interest in the Arabic language and the fact that preserving it is one of its first priorities.
Dr al-Kawari highlighted the important role of the Arab family, especially the mother, in promoting the Arabic language among her children, warning of the effects of non-Arab domestic workers on the upbringing of children in the Gulf countries.
He also warned of the negative impact of using social networks.
He referred to the importance of education as an incubator for the Arabic language, and stressed need to reform the linguistic situation in education.
The seminar witnessed many participations and interventions about the decline of the Arabic language and the cultural danger threatening the Arab societies due to this decline. (QNA)