Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Rafat Al Thaqli, the Governor of the Socotra Archipelago, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, in partnership with the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage (ARC-WH), a UNESCO Category 2 Centre, concluded a workshop on the writing system of the Soqotri language from 24-28 September 2024 in Hadibo, the capital of Socotra.
Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Rafat Al Thaqli, the Governor of the Socotra Archipelago, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, in partnership with the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage (ARC-WH), a UNESCO Category 2 Centre, concluded a workshop on the writing system of the Soqotri language from 24-28 September 2024 in Hadibo, the capital of Socotra.
The Socotra Archipelago, renowned for its unique natural environment and biodiversity, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. It is also home to the ancient Soqotri language, a form of ancient Southern Arabic that has preserved its oral tradition despite significant threats from dominant written languages. However, the Soqotri language is at risk of extinction due to the lack of a written alphabet, hindering its transmission to younger generations and its use in official records, correspondence, and education. Developing an alphabet that accurately represents its sounds and includes all dialects is crucial for its survival.
In response to this urgent need, UNESCO and ARC-WH collaborated with the Soqotri Language Center to organize the first workshop on the island to create a Soqotri alphabet. This initiative involved close collaboration with local communities and traditional poets from Socotra. To support this effort, ten linguists, researchers, and scholars of ancient Southern Arabic languages from Yemeni, regional, and international universities were invited to contribute their expertise. The workshop aligns with UNESCO’s efforts to implement the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032).
The five-day workshop included various activities, such as listening to ten poets and more than 35 participants from different regions of Socotra, who shared the distinct sounds of various dialects. Experts also visited cultural and natural sites on the island to better understand the traditional tools and instruments used by local communities and their impact on the language. For example, the experts visited the Socotra Folk Museum in Riqwleh, learning more about the island’s heritage.
National and international experts also shared insights from other Southern Arabian languages. Seven scientific papers were presented on various topics, including a contribution from the Mahri Language Center and a presentation on the importance of mother tongue-based education. These discussions highlighted how developing a Soqotri alphabet could lead to better language integration into formal and non-formal education systems.
On the final day of the workshop, traditional bands performed, and poetry readings were held in an open event in the heart of Hadibo, where experts, organizers, and the public gathered to enjoy Socotri songs and dances.
At the conclusion of the workshop, certificates of participation and appreciation were distributed to acknowledge the contributions of those involved in making the event a success.
The Ambassador of Yemen to Djibouti, Mr. Abdallah Bin-moussalam Al-Sukatre, who attended the workshop, remarked:
“This workshop marks a qualitative shift in the study and classification of the Soqotri language. It highlights the connection between the Soqotri language and other Southern Arabic languages, contrary to earlier classifications that considered it a non-Arabic Southern language. I hope we continue working with UNESCO to fully preserve the language and integrate it into primary schools, as well as introduce it as a subject in higher education.”
Ms. Anhar, a master’s student who participated in the workshop, emphasized the role of younger generations in preserving the language, stating:
“I am one of them. I try my best to preserve my own language by conducting research on it. Along with other passionate students, and with limited resources, we are trying to raise awareness about the language, particularly among illiterate women. We encourage them to support the language because it is a core part of our identity.”
Mr. Hassan Al-Qaissie added:
“The workshop was unique in bringing together scholars and linguistic experts in one place. Having spent three decades as an educator, I believe it is essential to integrate the Soqotri language into school curricula, especially at the primary education level.”
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