UNESCO World Arabic Language Day

posted on: Dec 10, 2025

Photo by Mustafa Wahhudi, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

By: Diksha Tyagi/Arab America Contributing Writer

Celebrated on December 18 every year since 2012, World Arabic Language Day highlights the global commitment to promoting and preserving the Arabic language. This date marks the day the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted Arabic as its sixth official language, noting its artistic, historical, and intellectual significance. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), through the Prince Sultan Abdulaziz Al Saud Programme for the Arabic language, has developed numerous initiatives over the years to help further Arabic’s legacy.

The Arabic Language

Arabic has been traced back to the 8th century B.C.E. in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula. It belongs to the Semitic language family alongside Aramaic and Hebrew. Over the centuries, the language evolved and spread significantly, This was especially due to the migrations of nomads, traders, and the 7th century C.E. Islamic conquests.

The 19th century saw the development of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). This is a standardized form of Arabic, compared to the many dialects that emerged throughout the diffusion of the language. Though MSA is used in official documentation, taught in schools, and the official language of many Arab countries, spoken dialects continue to thrive.

As of 2025, Arabic ranks as the fifth most spoken language globally with more than 400 million speakers. It is the official language of 24 countries and is used in many more through diaspora communities. 

UN Recognition

The United Nations’ official languages were Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish at its founding in 1945. The 1973 Resolution 3190 (XXVIII) added Arabic as its sixth. It recognized “the significant role of the Arabic language in preserving and disseminating the civilization of man and his culture”. Naming Arabic as an official language, the languages in which UN documents are made available, acknowledged its importance for global harmony.

World Arabic Language Day 2025 centers on the theme “Innovative Pathways for Arabic: Policies and Practices for a More Inclusive Linguistic Future”. This will focus on “expand[ing] Arabic’s presence across education systems, digital platforms, and public discourse”. The main commemorative event will be held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France.

Arabic in the Diaspora

The United States being home to over 1.4 million speakers makes Arabic its 7th most spoken language outside of English. Michigan, New Jersey, and New York hold major Arab American communities. However, Arab-speaking populations are found nationwide. 

These communities play a crucial role in maintaining Arab culture abroad. Through Arabic schools, community centers, and cultural organizations, they help maintain ties to Arab heritage. Arabic media, literature, and digital content, central focuses of this World Arabic Language Day, help ensure that this language remains a living presence worldwide.

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