ID :
35799
Tue, 12/16/2008 - 12:16
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/35799
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Abu Dhabi’s KALIMA participates at UN conference on languages
New York, Dec 16, 2008 (WAM) - An official at the United Nations and UNESCO announced the participation of KALIMA, a translation project launched by Abu the Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), at an international conference held this week at the UN headquarters in New York entitled: "Linguistic Diversity, Globalization and Development".
The conference, which coincides with the closing of the ‘International Year of Languages 2008', is organised by the United Nations Department of Public Information and UNESCO.
Rochelle Roca, Programme organiser at the Division of Cultural Objects and Intangible Heritage of UNESCO said: "The Arab World, at present and in its heritage, has an enormous linguistic, literary and cultural history. I was interested in learning about Arabic language issues related to cultural diversity and globalization, and the cultural and linguistic overlap of speakers of Arabic. I was interested in and pleased by what I read regarding the KALIMA project initiative to translate word literature and culture into Arabic." "The KALIMA project gives the word a qualitative example of work on the translation of contemporary literary works from other languages into Arabic, which will help to open channels of knowledge and information, and thus help in the spread of understanding, respect and development," she added.
Roca praised the qualitative move achieved by the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which witnessed the participation of more than forty countries this year.
"I am really impressed with the achievements of the Fair," said Roca.
"I am very proud of the participation of KALIMA at the international conference on languages with a group of experts to discuss government and public bodies' initiatives dealing with issue of language. I am confident that their participation will contribute positively to the debate and dialogue," added Roca.
The ADACH delegation is headed by Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Project Manager of KALIMA, who will present a working paper dealing with the beginnings of KALIMA and its aims and achievements to date, in addition to referring to the range of important projects launched by ADACH since its launch.
The conference aims to examine the uses of language, and its models and policies in all regions of the world, and promote the protection of all languages, especially those at risk of extinction, and to seek linguistic diversity and multiculturalism.
The conference will be attended by hundreds of participants, including representatives of the United Nations, UNESCO, Francophone international organizations, Spain's House of Language, translation centres, global cultural bodies, the European Union, Canada, New Zealand, as well as ambassadors, academics, and journalists.
Jumaa Al Qubaisi, Director of National Library of ADACH said: "The participation of KALIMA at the international conference on languages at the United Nations is a great opportunity to announce the work of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, particularly the initiatives that advocate cultural pluralism and seek to promote universal cultural understanding among nations".
"We seek to bridge the gap between nations throughout culture and dialogue, and, therefore, our goal is to develop Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to cover several cultures, and contribute at the same time the book industry and culture" Qubaisi added.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Project Manager of KALIMA, said: "participating in the conference on languages, organized by the UN and UNESCO, is important because language itself is a key element in many of the projects of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, directly or indirectly.
''We cannot achieve any project aim without language, and language is the most important element in the strengthening of a relationship with the other'. It plays an active role in social, cultural, trade and economic development. Without it, there is no physical reality, because reality is constructed on the mediation of language." "When HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, launched Abu Dhabi's national initiative for translation KALIMA, he wanted to open channels of variety to support more knowledge in Arabic, and to contribute to local culture with the culture of ‘the other' through translations.
''There is no doubt that translation contributes significantly to the revitalization of language and the development of potential. From this perspective, the invitation of the United Nations to KALIMA and ADACH to participate in the conference on languages was due to their leading role in matters of cultural and linguistic diversity." Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, considered the International Year of Languages an opportunity to understand the silent crisis confronting many of the world's languages, in particular those spoken by indigenous peoples.
He said that "The loss of these languages would not only weaken the world's cultural diversity, but also our collective knowledge as a human race. I call upon member states, indigenous peoples, the United Nations and other concerned sectors to take immediate steps to protect and promote endangered languages, and to ensure their preservation for future generations." Koichiro Matsuura, Director General of UNESCO, on the occasion of launching the International Year of Languages said: "Languages are indeed essential to the identity of groups and individuals and to their peaceful coexistence. They constitute a strategic factor of progress towards sustainable development and a harmonious relationship between the global and the local context."
The conference, which coincides with the closing of the ‘International Year of Languages 2008', is organised by the United Nations Department of Public Information and UNESCO.
Rochelle Roca, Programme organiser at the Division of Cultural Objects and Intangible Heritage of UNESCO said: "The Arab World, at present and in its heritage, has an enormous linguistic, literary and cultural history. I was interested in learning about Arabic language issues related to cultural diversity and globalization, and the cultural and linguistic overlap of speakers of Arabic. I was interested in and pleased by what I read regarding the KALIMA project initiative to translate word literature and culture into Arabic." "The KALIMA project gives the word a qualitative example of work on the translation of contemporary literary works from other languages into Arabic, which will help to open channels of knowledge and information, and thus help in the spread of understanding, respect and development," she added.
Roca praised the qualitative move achieved by the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which witnessed the participation of more than forty countries this year.
"I am really impressed with the achievements of the Fair," said Roca.
"I am very proud of the participation of KALIMA at the international conference on languages with a group of experts to discuss government and public bodies' initiatives dealing with issue of language. I am confident that their participation will contribute positively to the debate and dialogue," added Roca.
The ADACH delegation is headed by Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Project Manager of KALIMA, who will present a working paper dealing with the beginnings of KALIMA and its aims and achievements to date, in addition to referring to the range of important projects launched by ADACH since its launch.
The conference aims to examine the uses of language, and its models and policies in all regions of the world, and promote the protection of all languages, especially those at risk of extinction, and to seek linguistic diversity and multiculturalism.
The conference will be attended by hundreds of participants, including representatives of the United Nations, UNESCO, Francophone international organizations, Spain's House of Language, translation centres, global cultural bodies, the European Union, Canada, New Zealand, as well as ambassadors, academics, and journalists.
Jumaa Al Qubaisi, Director of National Library of ADACH said: "The participation of KALIMA at the international conference on languages at the United Nations is a great opportunity to announce the work of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, particularly the initiatives that advocate cultural pluralism and seek to promote universal cultural understanding among nations".
"We seek to bridge the gap between nations throughout culture and dialogue, and, therefore, our goal is to develop Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to cover several cultures, and contribute at the same time the book industry and culture" Qubaisi added.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Project Manager of KALIMA, said: "participating in the conference on languages, organized by the UN and UNESCO, is important because language itself is a key element in many of the projects of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, directly or indirectly.
''We cannot achieve any project aim without language, and language is the most important element in the strengthening of a relationship with the other'. It plays an active role in social, cultural, trade and economic development. Without it, there is no physical reality, because reality is constructed on the mediation of language." "When HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, launched Abu Dhabi's national initiative for translation KALIMA, he wanted to open channels of variety to support more knowledge in Arabic, and to contribute to local culture with the culture of ‘the other' through translations.
''There is no doubt that translation contributes significantly to the revitalization of language and the development of potential. From this perspective, the invitation of the United Nations to KALIMA and ADACH to participate in the conference on languages was due to their leading role in matters of cultural and linguistic diversity." Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, considered the International Year of Languages an opportunity to understand the silent crisis confronting many of the world's languages, in particular those spoken by indigenous peoples.
He said that "The loss of these languages would not only weaken the world's cultural diversity, but also our collective knowledge as a human race. I call upon member states, indigenous peoples, the United Nations and other concerned sectors to take immediate steps to protect and promote endangered languages, and to ensure their preservation for future generations." Koichiro Matsuura, Director General of UNESCO, on the occasion of launching the International Year of Languages said: "Languages are indeed essential to the identity of groups and individuals and to their peaceful coexistence. They constitute a strategic factor of progress towards sustainable development and a harmonious relationship between the global and the local context."
