The Academy of Arabic Language in Cairo.. an impregnable fortress for Arabic language.
Translated by: Nouran Salah
Reviewed by: Amira Waleed
Egypt fell under British occupation in 1882, marking the beginning of systematic attacks on Arabic, particularly when the occupiers insisted on English as the language of education. Suspicious voices advocated writing in colloquial Arabic.
On the other hand, their voices rose with the advent of Khedive Abbas Helmi II in 1892, calling for the establishment of a linguistic academy to preserve and enrich the Arabic language with new vocabulary. This call received a response from scholars, literary figures, and intellectuals, who gathered at Tawfiq al-Bakri Palace to discuss this initiative. The meeting included Sheikh al-Shanqiti al-Kabeer, a prominent figure in linguistics, Sheikh Muhammad Abduh, a leader of reform in Egypt, as well as Hamza Fathallah, Hafni Nasef, Hassan al-Tawil, Muhammad Birm, Muhammad al-Muwaylihi, Muhammad Osman Jalal, and Muhammad Kamal.
On May 18, 1982, the attendees discussed the dangers threatening the Arabic language and the necessity of establishing an academy that would serve Arabic similarly to how the French Academy serves its language. The participants elected Muhammad Tawfiq al-Bakri as the president of this academy, with Muhammad Birm serving as his secretary. Thus, the first Arabic Language Academy was established.
This academy held only seven sessions where some research papers were presented. Among the words introduced by the academy and still used in speech and writing are: "شرطي" (for police), "بهو" (for lobby), "معطف" (for coat), and "قفاز" (for gloves). The academy then ceased its meetings, and the idea remained suspended until it regained momentum on December 13, 1932, when a royal decree was issued to establish a linguistic academy tasked with preserving the integrity of the Arabic language, ensuring its suitability for the demands of science, arts, and modern civilization. The academy was also mandated to compile a historical linguistic dictionary, study modern Arabic dialects in Egypt and other Arab countries, publish a linguistic research journal, and undertake the scholarly exploration of Arab heritage treasures deemed essential for its linguistic works and studies, including dictionary compilations. It was inaugurated on the morning of January 30, 1934, under the name "Royal Academy of the Arabic Language." Later, its name was changed to "Fuad I Academy of the Arabic Language," and after the July 1952 Revolution, it became known as "Academy of the Arabic Language."
From its inception, the academy was envisioned as a global institution. The decree itself stipulated that the academy would consist of twenty active members, selected from renowned scholars known for their deep understanding of the Arabic language or their research in its grammar and dialects, without regard to nationality. The decree also allowed for the appointment of honorary members and correspondents.
The academy consists of committees, a council, and a conference. Its committees consist of members of the council who work alongside specialists in various sciences and arts, chosen by the academy. They work throughout the year to formulate terms and propose resolutions deemed necessary for the advancement of Arabic, to be presented to the council. The council, composed of resident members in Egypt, reviews and approves what it finds beneficial from the committees' work, returning items needing further study and scrutiny. Then, what the council has approved will be presented to the conference. Subsequently, the conference convenes once annually, in winter, gathering all members, both resident in Egypt and abroad. During this conference, members present research in language, in addititon, the council's and committees' work between the two conferences from the previous year are to be reviewed by the council. To preserve Arabic, ensure its integrity, and align it with scientific and artistic demands, the academy holds two authorities: legislative and executive. The legislative authority resides in the fundamental committee, proposing resolutions for the executive authority to implement. The executive authority is embodied in other scientific committees of the academy, which fall into two types: those responsible for defining terms, such as the medical and chemical committees, and those for recording terms established by other committees at AlMu'jam al-Waseet and Al Mu'jam Al kabir. Apart from the stages involving committees, council, and conference, specialists across the Arab world also participate by offering feedback on proposed terms to the academy for consideration. Terms faced by the academy fall into two categories: the first type was established before the formation of the council and became settled, while the second type has not yet been established. As for what was established during or before the era of protest, there is no reproach for it. However, what was established after these eras falls under the 'moulid' and has two categories:
The first category where they relied on the norms of Arabic speech, whether metaphorical, derivative, or similar, such as terms in sciences and industries, among others, and it is considered linguistically acceptable.
And the second category where they departed from the norms of Arabic speech, which the council did not approve.
The council accepted Arabic terms coined after the era of protest to express new meanings that emerged in the Arabic environment, such as terms in Arabic sciences or those created as counterparts to foreign terms such as the termenology of foreign sciences. They were formulated through legitimate methods in enriching the language like derivation, metaphor, or others, provided they did not deviate from the essence and authentic spirit of the language, nor exceed linguistic norms.
Similarly, the Arabicized terms whose creators followed the approach used by Arabic speakers when resorting to this method. However, the academy does not recognize terms that were Arabicized and then had Arabic words applied to them by scholars, or had counterparts found in their language.
This type also includes Arabic words that were transferred to foreign languages and then distorted. If they imported back into Arabic their origin will be there.
The methods recognized by scholars for creating terms included literal and figurative translation, derivation, composition, metaphor, adaptation, and Arabization. Some recommendations in this area were also accepted: scientific, artistic, and industrial terms should be restricted to a single specific name for each meaning. Preferably, a single word over two or more when creating a new term, if possible; if not, literal translation is preferred.
Among the accomplishments of the council, regardless creating terminology, was the publication of a journal, the first part of which appeared in October 1934. They also produced a dictionary known as "Al-Wasit" for the public. The council has already begun compiling a larger dictionary called "Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabir," with an experimental edition released in 1956, covering materials from the letter "Alif" to the word "Akhī" and the registration committee continued its work until reaching the entry for "Ardabil." The council reviewed its methodology in 1961. Furthermore, they published a modern dictionary comprising seven parts up to the letter "Dal". The dictionary contains language, literature, grammar, rhetoric, history, geography, philosophy, human knowledge, civilization, and prevalent scientific and artistic terms, giving it an encyclopedic character.
More than 150,000 scientific terms across various disciplines was accumulated at the academy over its long years , prepared by the scientific committees with their members and experts. These terms were approved by the academy and its conferences, and the academy has issued specialized scientific dictionaries including:
1- Geological Dictionary
2- Nuclear Physics and Electronics Dictionary
3- Modern Physics Dictionary
4- Computer Science Dictionary
5- Medical Terminology Dictionary
6- Chemistry and Pharmacy Dictionary
7- Biology Dictionary in Biological Sciences and Agriculture
8- Petroleum Dictionary
9- Mathematics Dictionary
10- Geographic Dictionary
11- Philosophical Dictionary
12- Civilization and Arts Vocabulary Dictionary
13- Psychology Dictionary
14- Engineering Dictionary
15- Legal Dictionary
16- Hydrology Dictionary
17- Music Dictionary
Additionally, the academy has published numerous books in the field of Arabic language including:
1- Book on Language Origins:
It consists of 3 parts, including decisions from the Fundamental Committee, research by its members and experts on facilitating the rules of grammar, inflective, foreign and borrowed terms, derivation from nouns, and recording non-Arabic sounds using Arabic letters, among other topics related to the use of the Arabic language.
2- Book on Terms and Styles:
It includes decisions from the Committee on Terms and Styles regarding numerous common terms and styles, in accordance with Arabic language guidelines and rules. Two parts have been published, with the third being printed.
3- Collection of Collective Scientific Resolutions over 50 years (1984).
4- Collection of Resolutions on Terms and Styles until 1987.
The council is credited with preserving Arab literary heritage and has achieved numerous milestones in this field, including:
1- "Ujalat al-Mubtadi wa Fudalat al-Muntahi" by al-Hazimi al-Hamdani, edited by Professor Abdellah Guennoun from Morocco.
2- "At-Takmila wal-Dhayl wal-Silah" by Saghani (6 parts), edited by Professor Abd al-alim al-Tahawi and others.
3- "Diwan al-Adab" by al-Farabi (4 parts), edited by Dr. Ahmed Mokhtar Omar.
4- "Kitab al-Af'al" by Al-Saraqusti (4 parts), edited by Dr. Hussein Sharaf.
5- "Kitab al-Jim" by Al-Shaybani (4 parts), edited by Professor Ibrahim Abyari and others.
6- "Al-Tanbih wal-Idah 'ama Waqa' fi Al-Sihah" by Ibn Bari (2 parts), edited by Professor Mustafa Hijazi.
7- "Kitab ad-Dal" by Ibn as-Sikkit, edited by Dr. Hussein Sharaf.
The academy is currently working on the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language under the supervision of a committee established for this purpose.
Members of the academy are referred to as "Al-Khalidine" (the Immortals), because once a member is appointed, they cannot be dismissed or removed except upon death, according to the academy's regulations. The academy has not witnessed the dismissal or departure of a president or member before their passing, except for Dr. Muhammad al-Jawadi, who resigned after traveling abroad.
In 1971, the Union of Arab Scientific Language Academies. It proposed forming where a committee composed of members from each language academy in Cairo, Baghdad, and Damasc was foundedued to establish the organization's system. The committee met with Dr. Taha Hussein in April of the same year. During this meeting, the basic internal regulations of the union were drafted. Dr. Taha Hussein, the president of the Cairo Academy, was elected as the president of the union, Dr. Ibrahim Madkur as the Secretary-General, Dr. Ahmed Abdul Sattar al-Jawari representing the Baghdad Academy, and Dr. Adnan al-Khatib representing the Damascus Academy were elected as assistant secretaries-general.
The union is headed by The Council of the Union of Arab Linguistic Scientific Academies which consists of two members from each linguistic academy, chosen by their academy for a period of four years. They elect from among themselves a president, a secretary-general, and two assistant secretaries-general for a renewable four-year term. The Union Council meets at least once annually in a regular session.
And it can convene in an extraordinary session when necessary. The Council issues decisions by majority vote of those present, and in case of equal votes, the side joined by the president prevails.
The Union Council holds its sessions at its official headquarters in "Cairo" or in one of the member academies' countries. The Arab League is invited to send a representative to attend the Council's meetings.
- Reviewing the annual activities of the Union's office and approving them.
- Reviewing the annual budget of the Union Council and approving it.
- Organizing means of communication between Arab linguistic and scientific academies and coordinating their efforts.
- Working on unifying scientific, technical, and cultural terminologies approved by different academies, and taking necessary measures for that.
- Developing projects that achieve the Union's objectives and supervising the activities of its office .
- Considering proposals related to the Union's objectives submitted by linguistic and scientific bodies and experts studying language and scientific terminology in the Arab world or elsewhere.
- Organizing conferences and seminars for studies that achieve the Union's objectives, involving member academies and inviting specialized bodies or scholars as deemed appropriate by the Union.
- Establishing necessary internal regulations for the conduct of work.
- Forming subcommittees or temporary committees from among its members or members of linguistic and scientific academies to study specific topics, as needed, with each committee's headquarters determined by the council.
The General Secretariat of the Council:
The office of the General Secretariat is located at the official headquarter of the Union, and the Secretary-General may require the assistance of staff members if it is needed. The Secretary-General of the Union serves as the secretary of the council. The secretary of the concil is responsible for recording council decisions and minutes, and distributing them to member academies and council members.
Responsibilities of the General Secretariat:
- Implementing and monitoring council decisions and handling administrative and financial matters.
- Presenting an annual report on its activities to the council.
- Preparing the agenda for council meetings and determining their duration, with invitations sent at least one month prior to the meeting.
- Drafting the council's budget, presenting it, managing revenues, and issuing expenditure orders within the approved budget limits.
- The Assistant Secretaries-General act on behalf of the Secretary-General in implementing union decisions, each within their academies.
The Union has convened ten symposiums, as follows:
The first symposium was held in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in 1972, to study legal terminologies approved by the Cairo Academy, printed by the Iraqi Scientific Academy.
The second symposiumwas held at the Baghdad Academy in 1973 to study petroleum terminologies, published by the Union of academies in the same year.
The third symposium in 1976, in Algeria, focused on facilitating Arabic language education. The conference recommended that governments, institutions, and companies use standard Arabic exclusively and prohibiting the use of colloquial Arabic entirely. The Union of Linguistic Academies published the proceedings and various recommendations of this conference in 1977.
The fourth conference in 1978, held in Amman, discussed Arabic language education in the twentieth century. Among its recommendations was expanding the translation of scientific university textbooks.
The fifth conference took place in Rabat in 1985, addressing the Arabization of higher and university education. It featured multiple studies on Arabization and translation.
The sixth symposium was held in 1987 at the Jordan Academy to discuss the unification of scientific symbols and their representation in the Arabic language. The symposium produced an Arabic book of scientific symbols in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, including their representation in Arabic. The union published this book in Cairo the same year..
The seventh symposium was held in May 1992 at the House of Wisdom in Tunisia, focusing on the unification of medical terminology in the first and second parts of the Cairo Academy's Medical Terminology Dictionary. The union published the symposium's research papers, decisions, recommendations, and discussions in Cairo the same year.
In January 1994, the union held its eighth symposium at the Damascus Academy, focusing on the Cairo Academy's Oil Dictionary. The symposium recommended that this dictionary be published in three languages: Arabic, English, and French.
The union's ninth symposium was held at the House of Wisdom in Tunisia in October of the same year, focusing on the Cairo Academy's Geological Dictionary. The symposium proposed that this dictionary, like the Oil Dictionary, be published in Arabic, English, and French..
The tenth symposium, held in 1996 at the Damascus Academy, focused on the Cairo Academy's Biology Dictionary in the fields of life sciences and agriculture. The discussions, decisions, and recommendations from this symposium were printed and published in Cairo in 1998.
The eleventh symposium was held in Cairo in 1998, focusing on discussing the proposals of the symposium of the Union of Arab Scientific Language Academies Council.
The twelfth symposium was held in Damascus in 1999, focusing on the methodology of developing scientific terminology and how to disseminate it in the Arab world.
The thirteenth symposium was held in Jordan in 2002, focusing on the issues facing the Arabic language in the age of computing and globalization.
The fourteenth symposium was held in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, in 2006, focusing on the historical dictionary of the Arabic language.
The fifteenth symposium was held in Tripoli, in the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Republic in 2007, with the theme "Formulation and Standardization of Scientific Terminology."
In addition to an annual meeting held by the union for its council, following the conclusion of the Arabic Language Academy conference in Cairo, in which matters related to its financial and administrative affairs are reviewed. Furthermore, the scientific decisions addressed by the union council are taken up, and discussions are held regarding the symposiums organized by the union.
The goal of the Union of Arab Scientific Language Academies, pursued since its inception, has been to unify Arabic scientific terminology to eliminate the confusion and chaos caused by multiple terms referring to the same scientific concept. The union steadfastly strives for this standardization, aiming to enhance an Arab scientific renaissance where Arab scientists collaborate across their various countries.
The Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Rabat and the Tunisian Academy of Sciences, Literature, and Arts (House of Wisdom) in Tunis have joined the union because they incorporate comprehensive linguistic science.
Sources
موقع مجمع اللغة العربية
The website of the Academy of the Arabic Language
موقع ديوان
The website of Diwan
English Language Coordinator: Asmaa Ahmed
