• 2025-01-17

The Saudi Arabian Trade Office in Taipei, in collaboration with the National Central Library, held the 2024 "World Arabic Language Day" celebration on December 8, 2024, the second day of the Taiwan Reading Festival. The event featured an exhibition showcasing significant Arabic works translated into Chinese. The celebration took place at the main hall of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and was organized in partnership with the Department of Arabic Language and Culture at National Chengchi University and the Arabic Department of Radio Taiwan International, aligning with the 2024 Taiwan Reading Festival. Distinguished guests included Nabeel Al-Tel, Director of the Jordan Business Office, Mohammed Muslem Said Al Baraami, Director of the Oman Trade Office in Taipei, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taipei City Government, as well as delegates from Islamic embassies, institutions dedicated to Arabic language studies, key figures from the Arab and Islamic communities, scholars, students, and language enthusiasts.

In her speech, NCL Director-General Han-ching Wang stated that Arabic is one of the oldest languages in the world, characterized by a rich history, profound cultural heritage, and a wealth of accumulated wisdom. It is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Arabic serves as a medium of communication for hundreds of millions of people worldwide and as a bridge for transmitting philosophy, science, art, and literature, fostering knowledge development and cultural exchange. In today's rapidly globalizing world, respecting and valuing cultural diversity has become our shared responsibility. In recent years, NCL has been dedicated to promoting international exchanges and expanding its global impact, particularly through interactions and collaborations with cultural and educational institutions in Taiwan. The library has worked with embassies of allied nations and foreign offices in Taiwan to organize book donation projects, reading promotion events, and cultural activities. Moreover, the library invites foreign institutions in Taiwan to participate annually in the Taiwan Reading Festival, showcasing various cultures and reading traditions, which has become a hallmark of the festival. Libraries carry the mission of preserving cultural heritage and fostering cultural exchange. NCL continues to encourage cross-cultural collaboration and scholarly exchanges, introducing the wisdom and charm of the Arabic-speaking world to Taiwanese readers through exhibitions and related cultural events.

The "World Arabic Language Day" celebration is not only a grand event for language enthusiasts but also an opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue. We hope to work together to help more people learn about and understand Arabic and its culture, thereby enhancing international dialogue and cooperation.

In 2024, the Saudi Arabian Trade Office joined the Taiwan Reading Festival for the first time, introducing Arabic reading activities and distributing the latest edition of an Arabic manga. The event featured a professional Arabic storyteller (Al-raouiya), who shared widely cherished Saudi Arabian children's books, inviting readers to explore the beauty of Saudi culture through reading.