Awantipora: The five-day long international workshop on ‘Arabic Translation: Theories and Praxis’ being organised by the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) commenced here Monday.
Experts from different Universities including Jamia Milia Islamia New Delhi, Hail University of Saudi Arabia, University of Bejai Algeria, University of Malang Indonesia will be delivering lectures.
During the inaugural ceremony, Vice Chancellor, IUST Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, who was also the chief guest on the occasion, congratulated the department for organizing this highly relevant workshop that targets the contemporary scenario.
Prof. Romshoo shed light on the importance of Arabic language from the Quranic perspective as well as global context. While appreciating the historical background of the language, he underlined the need to offer diploma and other certificate programmes in Arabic translation that could help create pool of professionals proficient in this language.
“Arabic is spoken by over 400 million people as a second or foreign language. It is thus one of the most widespread languages in the world. The Quran gave it a significance that lasted some 1400 years, and it is used far beyond the borders” Prof. Romshoo said. He also highlighted the salience of knowing multiple languages in present times which would open multiple career avenues for our youth.
Guest of Honour, Registrar IUST Prof. Naseer Iqbal also shared his remarks during the session and envisioned the importance of focusing more on learning the role of Arabic and other languages in different spheres of life and finding opportunities in sectors like tourism.
He highlighted the rich past of Kashmir in this regard and said, “Linguistic and literary tradition of Kashmir shaped the socioeconomic setup of the people of Kashmir.”
Prof. Habibullah Khan, Department of Arabic Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi who was the Keynote Speaker at the event highlighted the importance of Arabic language from the lens of job market.
Also present during the inaugural session were Dean Research, Prof. H. R Naik, IC Librarian and HoD Islamic Studies Dr. Afroz Bisati, Media Advisor to VC Dr. Monisa Qadiri, Hod Centre for International Relations Dr. Athar ud-Din, Faculty Members, Scholars and Students from Department of Arabic language and literature, and other institutions who are attending the workshops from different places of the world.
