The Arabic Language Can Disappear

Arabic is one of the most ancient languages in the world and it is still a living one. This privilege does not give it immunity from disappearance. Most Arabic Muslims think that Arabic is an eternal language because The Qur'an stated that the Muslim holy scriptures will be conserved for eternity. Also, Prophet Muhammad said that the language of the dwellers of the Garden of Eden would be Arabic. The Qur'an can be preserved but Arabic language may disappear. Latin, for example is a dead language but many chef-d'oeuvres were written in Latin and are still preserved. Khalil Gibran stated in his book The New and the Marvellous that Arabic would face the same fate of Latin; it would disintegrate into many languages. The local dialects would emerge and replace it. Although it may be true that Gibran's prophecy was not fulfilled, one cannot deny that Arabic is in need for revitalization. Said Akl want far to promote for the Latinization of the Lebanese-Arabic letters. We find the latter process in Turkish, Kurdish, and in other languages. The Arab Christians have produced wonderful poetry, novels and dictionaries because they stripped Arabic from its sacredness. The Arabic Muslims have to do the same thing. The Arabic language's relation to The Qur'an is a blessing and an obstacle at the same time. Muslims have a tendency not to change Arabic or add new words because in their subconscious mind it is related to something sacred.

How to Preserve the Diasporas' Identities?

Diasporas are growing everywhere; their numbers are accelarating. Many of the members of those diasporas are fearing to lose their identities and their roots. I understand those fears but many measures can be taken to preserve those weakening identities. Language is an essential part of one's identity and culture and a lot of third-generation immigrants are not speaking a single word of the language of their fathers . They, later, deplore the loss of their identity. Parents should speak at home the language of their fathers in order for the kids to be accustomed with that language or accent. Also, the names of the newly-born babies should be related to the culture of the original identity, thus society becomes multicultural and diverse. History has proven that multi-ethnic societies are stronger than the mono-ethnic ones. The interaction between those ethnicities is a source of creativity. The diasporas should also worship the religion of their ancestors and venerate the saints of their original lands. For Christian Lebanese who are outside Lebanon, it is Our Lady of Lebanon which should be venerated. Frequent visits to the fathers' land are also encouraged in order for the new generations to know where do they originated from. Parents ought to instill in their children and grandchildren the notion that they should be proud of their origins. Grouping a certain diaspora in institutions and associations is a unifying factor for the immigrants and their descendents. The diasporas should be treated by their original states as full citizens and they should be granted citizenships, the right to vote and seats in the parliaments. An emphasis can be put on the original cuisine and on media related to the ancestors' land. Maintaining the diasporas' identities is a burning issue but previously-given clues can be very helpful.