Renowned scholar of Arabic language and literature, author and Emeritus Professor Dr Khurshid Rizvi says Arabic is among the world’s most fundamental and important languages.

In a special interview with Radio Pakistan’s correspondent Qasim Bukhari on the occasion of World Arabic Language Day, he said the Arabic is the representative language of the Semitic linguistic group, many of whose languages have become extinct over time. In contrast, Arabic continues to be spoken and understood across a vast geographical region.

He said that Arabs and the Arabic language played a fundamental role in transmitting philosophy, science and other disciplines of ancient Greek civilization to modern Europe. He said that these translations significantly strengthened the Renaissance movement in Europe, opening new avenues for intellectual progress.

Dr Khurshid Rizvi said that due to its widespread use and extensive geographical reach, Arabic has been accorded the status of the sixth official language of the United Nations, which is clear evidence of its global importance.

Discussing the relationship between language and economic factors, he said that a language flourishes when livelihoods are associated with it. He said that Arabic language offers numerous economic opportunities, citing the large presence of overseas Pakistanis in Arab countries as a clear example.

Responding to a question, he stressed that, in view of the academic, cultural and practical importance of the Arabic language, special attention must be given to its education and promotion to meet contemporary needs.