The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) participated in the 8th Conference of the International Association for Translation and Intercultural Studies, held in Muscat, Oman. The event was organised by Sultan Qaboos University in collaboration with the International Association for Translation and Intercultural Studies (IATIS). It featured a session titled ‘The Role of Translation Institutions in the Sustainability of Culture, Heritage, and Identity’, co-hosted with the GCC Centre for Translation, Arabisation, and Promotion of Arabic at the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The session brought together Moza Jasim from the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s Kalima Project (UAE); Prof. Marzouq Al-Ghunaim, The Arab Center for Authorship and Translation of Health Science, (Kuwait); and translation expert Ohood K. Almukhaini, (Oman). The session was moderated by Manal Al-Nadabi, Oman Credit and Financial Information Centre (Mala’a).
Jasim highlighted how translation institutions play a central role during rapid digital transformation and globalisation and help safeguard cultural identity without leading to isolation. She described translation as a key channel of cultural exchange, highlighting its significance in cultural diplomacy and its role as a soft power.
She underlined that translation shapes intellectual discourse, stimulates imagination, and broadens horizons for younger generations. It empowers identity to redefine itself, engage with others, and evolve, thereby reinforcing its vitality. Jasim pointed out that identity is not preserved through isolation but through its capacity to engage critically and creatively with different cultures.
Moreover, she stressed the importance of equipping young people with critical thinking skills, to make them more discerning and help them make wise choices. This approach ensures that they do not lose their cultural identity amidst the overwhelming influx of information.
Jasim also highlighted the ALC’s efforts through the Kalima Project. She explained how content selection, language policies, and publishing channels create an integrated system, presenting translations in an engaging and accessible manner for the general public. This helps preserve the richness, authenticity, and beauty of the Arabic language. The ALC adopts publishing and distribution mechanisms that ensure books reach readers, with a focus on high-quality translations in the fields of heritage and identity. She added that Kalima has translated more than seventy books within the ‘Cultures of Peoples’ series, as well as works that explore Arab identity and culture from new perspectives, such as Cultural Identity in Arabic Novels of Immigration. Among its latest releases are two books by French Arabist André Miquel: Itinéraire d’un arabisant and Un Arabe de siècle en siècle.
Regarding the process of selecting titles for translation, Jasim explained that it forms part of a broader cultural strategy. The ALC monitors global publications across diverse fields, identifies works of significant intellectual value, and considers internationally award-winning books. A specialised committee is responsible for nominating and evaluating titles for translation, with particular focus on classic literature and thought that has not previously been translated. This initiative aims to enrich Arab identity and culture by reproducing valuable knowledge.
Regarding translating from Arabic into other languages, Jasim emphasised the ALC’s commitment to appreciating Arab heritage and presenting it to the world. Its significant translations in this field highlight contemporary shifts in Arab cultural discourse, including works by expatriate authors such as Bedouin and ‘Abbāsid Cultural Identities and One Thousand and One Nights.
She pointed out that the 'From Kalima to the World' project was launched during the Frankfurt International Book Fair. The project aims to translate key Arabic and Emirati literary works into major world languages. Through sustained efforts and structured collaborations, the initiative seeks to introduce international readers to the rich classical and modern Arab heritage, secure international publishers, and confidently present the Arab cultural narrative to the world.
The IATIS International Conference, which attracts leading academics, researchers, and experts from various countries, is regarded as one of the foremost global platforms dedicated to translation and cultural studies. It serves as a forum for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and exploration of the latest trends and practices in this vital field and its applications across diverse spheres of life.
