Doha: Experts have lauded the completion of the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic, describing it as a landmark achievement in the documentation of the Arabic language. Dr Ali Ahmed Al Kubaisi, a member of the dictionary's scientific council, highlighted that the project meticulously documents the evolution of Arabic words from their earliest recorded usage to the present day, supported by historical evidence. This allows readers to trace semantic changes over time and gain insights into how meanings developed within their original contexts.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr Al Kubaisi emphasized that the dictionary presents closely related meanings and draws on a variety of sources, including the Quran, Prophetic traditions, and classical poetry, making it a significant linguistic resource. He acknowledged the sustained support from Qatar's leadership, noting the extensive collaboration among linguists, editors, and reviewers that made the project possible.
Dr Moqbel Al Tam Al Ahmadi, head of lexicographic editing, addressed the challenges posed by the richness of the Arabic language, given its vast vocabulary. He credited strong institutional support for overcoming these hurdles, which resulted in a comprehensive digital corpus reconstructing the historical memory of the language. He underscored the necessity of continuously updating the dictionary to ensure it reflects ongoing linguistic changes.
Dr Abdulsalam Al Massadi, also a member of the scientific council, described the dictionary as a distinctive accomplishment rooted in advanced research and specialization. He emphasized the importance of Arabic remaining connected to its historical depth to maintain its global relevance.
Dr Mohammed Hassan Al Tayyan praised the dictionary as the memory of the nation, highlighting the rigorous verification processes applied to its entries. He commended Qatar's significant role in supporting the project, despite its scale and complexity.