Department of Arabic Language Hosts Lecture on Arabic as Soft Power

The Department of Arabic Language at the Islamic University of Minnesota - Main Center - organized a specialized academic lecture titled “Arabic Language: A Soft Power Not to Be Underestimated,” presented by Dr. Nadia Abu Odeh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Arabic for Non-Native Speakers, with participation from Dr. Ahlam Abu Al-Faraj. The event was part of the department’s ongoing academic and cultural activities.

The lecture highlighted the position of the Arabic language as an effective tool for cultural and civilizational influence worldwide, focusing on the concept of “soft power” and the role of language in shaping awareness, building cultural bridges, and enhancing the global presence of nations amid rapidly changing world dynamics. It also addressed the capacity of Arabic to keep pace with modern developments, engage with emerging knowledge, and contribute to shaping the future.

The speakers offered an academic approach combining scholarly depth with a contemporary perspective, emphasizing that Arabic is not merely a heritage language, but a living, evolving language equipped with the tools to exert influence in cultural, educational, and intellectual spheres.

The lecture was held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. (Makkah time) via Zoom, attended by a distinguished group of academics and individuals interested in the Arabic language, in an interactive session reflecting growing attention to linguistic issues and the role of Arabic in contemporary society.

The event was part of the celebratory activities organized by the Department of Arabic at the College of Arts in honor of International Arabic Language Day, demonstrating the department’s commitment to highlighting the civilizational and cultural significance of the Arabic language and reinforcing its role as a living language capable of contributing to the present and shaping the future.