Arab Cultural Club in Sharjah Hosts George Gregory
The Arab Cultural Club in Sharjah recently held an exceptional cultural session titled “The Experience of Professor George Gregory: Translating Meaning and Interpreting Light.” The session featured an enriching dialogue between Professor Gregory, renowned for his valuable translations of the Quran and various Arabic literary and intellectual works into Romanian, and Dr. Abdulaziz Muslim, President of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage.
A Long History of Cultural Relations
Dr. Abdulaziz Muslim spoke about his long-standing relationship with Professor George Gregory, which has spanned years of meetings and discussions on culture and society. Muslim emphasized that Gregory’s translation of the Quran is one of his most significant achievements, along with other translations such as “Mishkat al-Anwar” by Al-Ghazali and “Hayy ibn Yaqzan” by Ibn Tufail. He touched on Gregory’s influence from the Arab community and his interest in the various dialects that form part of the Arab cultural fabric.
A Personal and Cultural Connection with the Arabic Language
Gregory began his talk by sharing his personal experience with the Arabic language. He mentioned that as a child in a remote village in southern Romania, he would listen to Arabic radio programs, despite not understanding the meanings of the words. This experience ignited a passion for the Arabic language, prompting him to study it at university. After graduating, he spent years in Iraq, where he deepened his understanding of the language and its diverse dialects, enriching his experience as a translator.
The Role of Arabic Dialects and the Influence of Language
In his remarks, Gregory highlighted the importance of Arabic dialects as a vital element of Arab culture. He explained that translators must be aware of these nuances, as dialects contribute to the contexts of both written and spoken texts. He also revealed that he leads an organization promoting Arabic dialects at the European level, emphasizing that languages are linguistic systems that require study and classification. He clarified that Arabic is one of the largest such systems in the world.
The Influence of Arab Culture in Romania
Gregory discussed the mutual influences between the Arabic and Romanian languages, noting that many Romanian words have been affected by Arabic due to the Ottoman presence. He highlighted some Arabic words that have entered the Romanian language, such as “amanah,” “briq,” and “maydan.” He also pointed out the role of his translations in introducing Arab philosophy and cultural concepts into university curricula in Romania.
In conclusion, Professor George Gregory’s session left a positive impact on the audience, reflecting the depth of cultural relations and the importance of the Arabic language in global culture, while opening new avenues for discussion about cultural interaction between the Arab world and Romania.