Northwestern Qatar to Host Arabic Storytelling Symposium. Doha, Qatar – The Media Majlis Museum (MM: Museum) at Northwestern University in Qatar, in collaboration with the renowned global media and educational platform Afikra, is set to host an exciting public symposium on October 26, 2024.
The symposium will explore the evolving significance of Arabic storytelling in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI), film, and media. This highly anticipated event is part of the museum’s fall 2024 programming and aims to shine a light on how Arabic language and culture are being integrated into modern technological and media landscapes.
A Day-Long Multidisciplinary Event
The event will take place on Northwestern Qatar campus in Education City, and it will coincide with an ongoing exhibition titled “The Limits of My Language are the Limits of My World.” This exhibition, curated by Northwestern Qatar alumna Amal Zeyad Ali, delves into the intricate relationship between language and worldview, particularly through the lens of the Arabic language.
The symposium will feature panel discussions, live performances, and several collateral activities that will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of Arabic storytelling and its place in today digital age.
Exploring Arabic in Media “Screens and Scripts”
The first panel, titled “Screens and Scripts: The Future of Arabic in Media,” will address how the Arabic language is adapting to various media platforms, including traditional news outlets, modern streaming services, and social media channels. The panel will focus on how Arabic is being reimagined to engage a global audience while maintaining its cultural richness.
This discussion will bring together influential figures such as Amanda Abou Abdallah, a Lebanese director and screenwriter, Rana Kazkaz, an award-winning filmmaker and associate professor at Northwestern Qatar, and Hussein Fakhri, a seasoned producer. These experts will share their insights on how Arabic is evolving in media while navigating the challenges and opportunities of a globalized world.
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The panel will be moderated by Ibrahim N. Abusharif, an associate professor in the Journalism and Strategic Communication Program at Northwestern Qatar, who will guide the conversation on balancing the preservation of Arabic culture with the need for adaptation in modern media.
Arabic and Technology “Algorithms and Alphabets”
The second panel, “Algorithms and Alphabets: Advancing Arabic in Technology,” will dive into the intersection of Arabic language and emerging technologies, with a special focus on artificial intelligence and digital processing tools. As AI continues to shape the future of communication, ensuring that Arabic interfaces with these technologies is a crucial concern for the preservation and advancement of the language.
This panel features experts such as Nizar Habash, a professor of computer science at NYU Abu Dhabi, Salma Elkhaoudi, a PhD graduate in anthropology from Stanford University, and Houda Bouamor, an associate teaching professor of information systems at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.
They will discuss the innovations in AI related to Arabic, including the development of culturally and linguistically sensitive systems. The conversation, moderated by Wajdi Zaghouan, associate professor at Northwestern Qatar, will explore the future of Arabic in the global tech landscape, and how AI and natural language processing can further advance the use of Arabic across digital platforms.
The Future of Arabic Publishing
The final panel of the symposium will explore the rapidly evolving world of Arabic publishing. Entitled “The Evolving Landscape of Arabic Publishing,” this session will delve into how Arabic literature is adapting to the demands of modern readers.
Panelists such as Enam Al-Wer, a professor in the Department of Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex, Omar Thawabeh, a Lebanese author, and Layan Abdul Shakoor, founder and creative director at the Saudi-based writing and publishing house Mauzoun, will discuss the challenges and opportunities in today publishing world.
These experts will provide insights into how Arabic literary traditions can thrive in a digital age, offering readers an opportunity to explore how publishing has changed over time and how it is continuing to evolve.
Bringing Together Local and Regional Voices
This symposium offers a unique platform for both local and regional voices to discuss the future of Arabic storytelling in a rapidly changing global landscape. It will foster a multidisciplinary approach by bringing together professionals from various fields, including film, media, technology, and literature.
Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to witness live performances and engage in a range of collateral activities designed to immerse them in the rich tapestry of Arabic culture and language.
The collaboration between Media Majlis Museum (MM: Museum) and Afikra is an exciting initiative aimed at exploring the future of Arabic language in modern media and technology, offering participants an in-depth look at the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Conclusion
The symposium at Northwestern University in Qatar promises to be a pivotal moment in the discussion of how Arabic storytelling can continue to thrive in an increasingly digital and global world. As AI and technology become more integrated into everyday life, the importance of preserving and adapting the Arabic language in these spaces cannot be overstated..
By bringing together filmmakers, technologists, and literary figures, this event highlights the multifaceted ways in which Arabic can be celebrated and advanced in media, film, and technology.
This multidisciplinary event showcases the forward-thinking approach of Northwestern Qatar and its commitment to exploring the evolving role of Arabic storytelling in shaping the future. It will undoubtedly inspire new ideas and collaborations that will push the boundaries of what is possible for Arabic in the global landscape.