The Role of Institutions in Promoting and Supporting of the Arabic Language: A Case Study of the Department of Arabic Language and Civilization at the University of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon

Abstract

The Arabic language is one of the world's living languages and serves as an official language in numerous Arab and Islamic countries, as well as in several international and regional organizations and institutions. It is spoken by more than four hundred and fifty million people and acts as a language of culture for over one and a half billion inhabitants of the globe. Due to its extensive geographical spread, the significant number of its speakers, its close association with the Holy Qur’an and Islamic culture, and its historical role as a language of science and civilization, Arabic holds great importance in scientific, historical, civilizational, political, social, and cultural spheres. Arabic has played notable and diverse roles in building and developing human societies, guiding them from nomadism to civilization and urban life, from ignorance and illiteracy to knowledge and learning, and from backwardness to the ranks of advanced nations. This study aims to elucidate the contribution of a modern educational institution in disseminating, supporting, and reinforcing the status of the Arabic language. It is entitled: “The Role of Institutions in Promoting and Supporting of the Arabic Language: A Case Study of the Department of Arabic Language and Civilization at the University of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon.” The study seeks to answer the following question: What role should institutions play in serving, promoting, and supporting the Arabic language? The researcher adopts a descriptive-analytical approach in addressing the themes of the study and may employ other methodologies whenever necessary and appropriate.