The Role of Arabic Language in Safeguarding Cultural Heritage and Enhancing Cultural Identity in the Globalization Era

Abstract

There is no doubt that language is one of the most important aspects of human civilization. It is one of the strongest links that connect the present of the nation with its ancient heritage and glorious past, as a means of expression about cultural heritage, and as an essential part of the cultural and intellectual property of inherent peoples. This is explained in the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, adopted in October 2003. Language has maintained and transmitted many forms of cultural expression such as myths, beliefs, rituals, stories, folk tales, and forms of knowledge as well as the various traditional skills. Arabic language forms a special importance for the cultural heritage and for Arab civilization as being considered one of the constituents of Arab identity. This is attributed to the leading role it performs throughout the ages in maintaining the constituents and the identity of the civilized nation. It is also attributed to its being the most effective means of maintaining the Arab cultural heritage from oblivion and vanishing, and a tool for transmitting and presenting it for a wider range, and passing it on to the future generations. This research aims at identifying the role that Arabic language is supposed to perform in safeguarding of the cultural heritage and civilizational identity. It also aims at determining the extent of the ability of Arabic Language in winning the bets and challenges that have been imposed by globalization, without losing our identity and language.