The Arabic for Non-Native Speakers center (ANNS) at Qatar University (QU) celebrated its Cultural Day under the theme “Arabic Unites Us." This annual event provides students with an immersive linguistic environment that enables them to practice Arabic in all its skills and explore the diverse aspects of Arab culture.
The event fosters Arabic-language interaction among students from various nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, students presented cultural performances highlighting different traditions, while talented students showcased their skills in singing, playing musical instruments, and recitation. Winners of the Talent Contest, National Day, and Arabic Language Competition “Qatar in Our Eyes" were honored, and a cultural exhibition accompanied the event.
Dr. Alaa Ibrahim, Acting Director of the ANNS Center at QU, stated, “This cultural event is an annual tradition that reflects the Center's values of embracing diversity, respecting differences, and recognizing the role of cultural plurality in promoting understanding and tolerance. This year's theme, 'Arabic Unites Us,' reaffirms the Center's role in fostering intercultural communication through the Arabic language and its rich cultural heritage."
Dr. Ibrahim added, “This Cultural Day provides students from nearly 30 nationalities with an opportunity to apply their acquired linguistic, stylistic, and expressive skills in an open environment. Through various activities, they can articulate and share their cultural values using eloquent Arabic."
Dr. Salah Sebouai, Arabic language lecturer and member of the Cultural Committee at the ANNS center, stated, “The Cultural Committee at the Center strives to create an enriching educational environment where students engage with Arabic and its culture naturally. We organize various linguistic and cultural activities, including competitions, theatrical performances, poetry recitation, and presentations about students' home countries and traditions. This event allows both faculty and students to interact in formal Arabic while practicing speaking and listening skills."