H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Supreme President of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, received a certificate from the Guinness World Records on Wednesday, recognizing the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language as the largest and most extensive historical linguistic project in the world, comprising 127 volumes.
Over the span of seven years, this dictionary has come to life through the dedication of 500 researchers and nearly 200 proofreaders, reviewers, and printers.
The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language stands out as an extraordinary achievement in terms of scope and content. It includes approximately 73,000 entries and covers more than 21.5 million words.
Moreover, it relies on around 351,000 historical citations derived from 11,300 linguistic roots. The total number of pages amounts to approximately 91,000. Over 20 linguistic and academic institutions from various Arab countries contributed to this monumental work, making it a product of collective Arab cooperation that reflects the richness and diversity of the Arabic language through the ages.
Arabic Language Academy pioneers scientific and cultural projects
The Ruler of Sharjah congratulated project participants on winning the Guinness World Record, underscoring the significance of the extensive work and unprecedented scientific value provided by the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. Sheikh Sultan also noted that the world record is a token of appreciation for everyone who contributed to the dictionary, including researchers, scholars, reviewers, editors, proofreaders, the publishing house and the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, as well as other contributors and scholars in Arabic lexicography throughout the Arab world.
He added that Sharjah always takes pride in offering documented sciences and scientific and cultural projects for the entire Arab nation and the world, shedding light on the significant collaboration among scholars from various countries which enhances the value of these vast works that preserve the history, sciences and language of the Arab nation. The Ruler of Sharjah added that those encyclopedic projects will continue to provide further knowledge and insights across diverse fields.
Arabic Encyclopedia project announced
In September, the Ruler of Sharjah announced the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. The emirate provided extensive financial, logistical, and moral support throughout all stages of the project. Thanks to this unwavering commitment, the dictionary has become a comprehensive linguistic reference for researchers and Arabic language enthusiasts worldwide.
During the announcement, he added that the scientific and research team for the dictionary will continue its diligent work with the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah to accomplish research and reference projects. They will also begin working on the Arabic Encyclopedia which will cover all literary and scientific fields and will become the primary reference for everyone.
