Arabic Language Day

Arabic Language Day, officially recognised by the United Nations, is a celebration of one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It honours the rich linguistic history of the Arabic language and its profound influence on culture, arts, and sciences across the globe. It also aims to encourage multicultural understanding by endorsing cultural interactions and promoting linguistic diversity and language learning.

The observation of Arabic Language Day was initiated by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010. It honours the day that the General Assembly adopted Arabic as a sixth official language of the United Nations in 1973. For Australians, this observance is particularly significant because Arabic is the third most common language spoken at home in Australia, according to the 2016 Census. Furthermore, Australia has a substantial Arabic-speaking community, mainly originating from Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt. This day provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of the Arabic-speaking community to the multicultural fabric of Australia.

Arabic Language Day in Australia echoes global observances and includes a diverse range of events and activities aimed at promoting the Arabic language and culture. These involve cultural exhibitions, food fairs, poetry readings, music and dance performances, language workshops and calligraphy exhibitions. These inclusive events invite all Australians to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Arabic culture and language. While there isn't a specific date earmarked for Arabic Language Day in Australia, the global commemoration occurs on December 18, aligning with the day Arabic became an official UN language.