KOZHIKODE: The Arabic department of Calicut University is taking new steps to popularise the language. Apart from conducting classes to Arabic teachers in recent trends and developments in the language, the department is also conducting classes for media persons on the use of Arabic words properly. Head of the department Dr Moideenkutty A.B told DC that his department is also looking to tie up with universities in 22 countries where Arabic is the major language. “We are looking for student-faculty exchange with those countries which will help our students and teachers understand the research happening in the language and also exchanging our know-how to them,” he said.
He added that the department has also started work for publishing a style book for helping the media while using Arabic terms in reports. Recently, the University joined hands with King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz International Centre for Arabic Language (KAAAICAL) of Saudi Arabia to give expert training for Arabic teachers from the state. It also conducted an international conference on Nursi studies with the co-operation of Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture, Turkey.
The department has also conducted programmes on Arabic Manuscripts in Kerala, Indian Arabic Literature and Indo-Arab Socio-Political and Cultural Relations. Dr Moideenkutty added that the department will also start activities to reach out to common man to create interest in Arabic. “Still a majority have this notion that Arabic is associated with Islam. It is a world language and learning it help many find jobs,” he added.
