The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) organised a seminar titled ‘Between Arabic and Chinese: Language and Cultural Communication’, in collaboration with the China International Communications Group (CICG), as part of its participation in the 30th Beijing International Book Fair, held in the Chinese capital from 19 to 23 June 2024.
The Centre has prepared a comprehensive programme for the Fair, in an effort to enhance cooperation in the fields of creative industries and enrich the cultures of both peoples through joint projects that serve to build valuable intellectual and cultural systems.
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre strives to achieve the ambitious vision of the UAE’s wise leadership to revive Arab civilisation, build bridges of communication with cultures around the world, and establish partnerships in all fields related to language and culture to serve the present and future of humanity.”
“Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi has consistently participated in the Beijing International Book Fair, becoming the most regular Arab participant,” H.E. added. “Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair hosted more than 190 Chinese publishing houses over its last four editions, making it the most attractive international destination for Chinese publishers. Indeed, Chinese participation in the most recent session of the Fair was the largest in the country’s history of participation in global events.”
“Today, we launch the Chinese edition of the book ‘His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan: Insights into the Journey of the Man of Humanity’ in the presence of its author, H.E. Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, a book that focuses on His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and sheds light on various aspects of his exceptional journey,” H.E. bin Tamim noted, stressing the importance of focusing on technology and artificial intelligence to ensure the sustainability of human values and enhance cultural diversity. “We must work harder to make language a foundation for developing cultural industries, exchanging knowledge, and spreading it among people around the world.”
“We were keen to attend the Beijing International Book Fair to introduce the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre to audiences here and highlight its role in promoting translation to and from Arabic with its Kalima Project for Translation – the most important Arab project of its kind,” the ALC Chairman continued. “Moreover, we shed light on the Centre’s contributions towards supporting publishing and authorship through its Esdarat programme, which has produced hundreds of Arabic books, as well as its efforts in organising exhibitions, festivals, conferences, and activities related to books, language, and creative industries.”
For his part, H.E. Hussain Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China, said: “This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, which have succeeded in building a strong strategic partnership based on the solid foundations of shared values, common interests, mutual respect, and commitment to supporting the development and prosperity of both nations.”
“Through cultural communication, we can transcend geographical borders and language differences, and through literary arts and music, we discover the common grounds that bind us together,” H.E. Al Hammadi continued. “The UAE Embassy in Beijing is committed to supporting cultural communication between the Arab world and China, including supporting the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, which is at the forefront of institutions specialising in teaching the Arabic language to non-native speakers.”
Meanwhile, Gao Anming, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of the China International Communications Group (CICG), said: “I visited the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre in September and explored its efforts to promote exchange between different cultures through language. The CICG Centre for Europe and Africa, part of the China International Communications Group, collaborated with the ALC over the course of nearly an entire year, achieving significant results in the process.”
“With the Centre’s support, our Group participated in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024, which hosted a conference to present the Arabic edition of President Xi Jinping’s book ‘The Belt and Road Initiative’,” he added, “Furthermore, China Today magazine launched the ‘China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage’ pavilion, allowing Arab audiences to enjoy the charm of Chinese culture.”
“As the oldest and largest comprehensive media institution in China, the China International Communications Group recognises the importance of language as a vehicle for culture and a symbol of civilisation,” Anming asserted. “By translating and publishing Arabic works, readers can learn about the Arab world’s rich cultural heritage. Similarly, translating and publishing Chinese works allows us to introduce the world to the modern China.”
Anming outlined three areas for cooperation with the ALC, the first of which is deepening collaboration with the Centre to introduce and translate outstanding foreign cultural and literary works, in addition to presenting notable Chinese works to international audiences, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and respect between different cultures.
The second area of collaboration is organising art exhibitions, reading clubs, cultural seminars, and meetings with authors, while the third and final area consists of training talented professionals who master multiple languages and cultures in order to enhance cultural exchange between China and Arab countries, support language education, and strengthen intercultural communication skills among language learners.
A panel discussion was held with prominent researchers taking part, including Farida Wang Fu, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Translation in China; Zhao Lijun, Director of the China Today magazine publishing house; Wang Jun Xiao, Secretary-General of the China Cultural Publishing House; Ahmed Al Saeed, CEO of Bayt Elhekma for Creative Industries, which is a recipient of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award; and Dr. Berlant Qabeel, Programmes Section Head at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.
On a similar note, the ALC signed an agreement to launch the China Academic Books series in Arabic, in an effort to enhance communication between various cultures, in line with the vision of the wise leadership in the UAE and its capital, Abu Dhabi.
Moreover, ALC Chairman H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim attended the professional meeting to explore opportunities for cooperation between Chinese and Arab publishers, where he stated that translation plays a critical role in fostering understanding between peoples and bringing cultures closer together, stressing that when translating, it is imperative to respect the value systems of the cultures involved.
The ALC delegation visited the China National Academy of Painting, run by the Ministries of Culture and Tourism in Beijing. The two sides exchanged information about their respective institutions, exploring opportunities for collaboration. Officials from the Academy expressed interest in participating in the Centre’s events, most notably the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and the Arabian Days festival.
