Doha, Qatar: The Doha Institute of Graduate Studies (DI) organized the second edition of TEDx under the theme “The Dhadh Language” - the Arabic Language - on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
This event is part of the ongoing efforts to preserve Arabic as a language of intellectuality and creativity and to promote its role in various fields of science, arts, literature, technology, social sciences, and humanity.
In the opening remark, Dr. Abdelwahab AlEffendi, President of the DI, said that this is an important event with its important topic of the Arabic Language and because it also aligns the broader celebration marking the 10th Anniversary of the DI with a series of events under the theme "A decade of leadership and excellence", reflecting the interest of the Institute in active participation in knowledge production and the promotion of intellectual responsibility towards the Arabic language.
Naseema Abdeen, Director of the Communications and Public Relations Department at the Doha Institute, said that the aim of organizing the TEDx Conference in its second edition in Doha is to create a vital space for discussing issues related to the Arabic Language, in its contemporary contexts by combining academic and research-based approaches with an inspiring youth-driven spirit. “Through this conference, we seek to provide innovative insights to preserve its vitality and to renew its use in multiple areas,” she said.
Abdeen added that the second edition of the Doha Institute's TEDx Conference received widespread attention internationally, with over 100 competing speakers from 13 countries and more than 700 people registering to attend the event. She pointed out that this conference reflects the institute’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the status of Arabic as a language of thought and creativity. It also aligns with national efforts to reinforce its presence in education and academic research, strengthening its role in the global cultural and scientific landscape.
Eight prominent speakers from inside and outside Qatar spoke at the event, sharing their inspiring thoughts and experiences on the role of Arabic in building individual and collective identities, as well as showcasing success stories that emerged from their ties to the language.
The content creator Raif Yousef Khalaileh posed the question: "Is the Arabic language really in danger or will it suffer the same destiny asextinct languages that were replaced by others?"
Dr. Fatima Abdallah Al-Suwaidi, a business administration expert, shared with the public her personal experience of reading and folk tales, where she said that she grew up adoring books and reading recalling how bedtime stories with her mother and grandmother fueled her passion for knowledge and reading. She expressed her concern that losing these storytelling traditions has deprived younger generations of the joy of reading.
Iman Al-Naim, on the other hand, who is a science content creator, delivered a talk titled “Why Should We Create Scientific Content in Arabic?” She advocated for making scientific knowledge more accessible in Arabic, which would foster critical thinking and allow new generations to understand complex phenomena, ultimately contributing to a more advanced society and better communication among people.
Among the presenters, Abdulrahman Al-Salik explored how challenges can be turned into opportunities, narrating his struggles with visual impairment during his studies and how he transformed adversity into achievements he never imagined.
The Palestinian Poet from Gaza, Mona Al-Masdar,reflected on the meaning of “home” within the war-torn context of Gaza. She discussed the term “displacement” in relation to the colonial division of Gaza into north and south and the resulting forced migrations. She questioned how language can capture the trauma of forced exile and the dream of returning home (Al Dar) as referred to in the Palestinian dialect.
Roy Bualouan, a language and linguistics educator, presented his talk on “Arabic Has a Marketing Problem: How Do We Solve It?” He discussed his own experience in the United States pointing out the declining enrollment in Arabic courses in American universities arguing that the traditional methods of promoting the language are outdated. He called for a more engaging approach, leveraging digital platforms and highlighting the beauty of Arabic.
Alaa Ahmed Khoualid, a Syrian journalist and filmmaker, spoke on “Fighting Tyranny Through Language.” He recounted his imprisonment experience and emphasized how language serves as a tool for documenting prisoners’ suffering and exposing hidden crimes, giving voice to the oppressed.
Safaa Belhasawia, a writer, a storyteller, and a graduate of the Doha Institute, explored the diversity of Arabic dialects across the Arab world. She highlighted how differences in speech create unique narratives and stories, where people may not understand each other’s dialects but can still admire, learn, and even imitate them.
The conference also included various entertaining and interactive segments celebrating the aesthetics of Arabic. Amjad Al Nur, a presenter and a writer at Al Jazeera's 360 media platform, shared the song "Diptotes". In addition to a performance by “Sol Band” which was founded in Gaza in 2012 and despite their displacement in 2024, they remained committed to spreading the message of resilience through a unique mix of Palestinian folklore and contemporary pop. Also, "Wajd Musical Band", a team of highly educated music students who have all reached the fifth level at the Royal School of Britain, sparked the atmosphere by playing Arabic music to the audience.
Several videos were screened during the event, including a video on the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic, a video of the foreign students at the Language Centre at the DI, and a short film entitled "Arablizia", as well as a paragraph with the Syrian poet Mohammed Yassin Saleh.
The Doha Institute's TEDx Conference is supported and sponsored by prominent partners dedicated to enhancing the status of Arabic and its importance in the cultural and scientific fields.The event is part of efforts to strengthen the presence of Arabic in various sectors
