ARABIC LANGUAGE IN CULTURAL IDENTITY OF EUROPE

Abstract

UDK 811.411.21:316.72(4)

Great Islamic conquests of the seventh century opened up new horizons towards the East as well as towards the West for the Arabic language, as language of faith and science. Ever since the eighth century, Arabic language is in different ways and with varied levels of intensity, part of the European cultural identity. It was through Arabs and the Arabic language that Europe came in to contact with and was introduced to the heritage of ancient civilisations. Translations of major works from Greek to Arabic language as well as the other valuable and genuine commentaries by the translators, but also the original works written by the Arabic scientists have brought to Europe the spirit of scientific thought and research and created the space for European Renaissance which began with the meeting with the Arabs in Italy and Spain. Ottoman’s conquests brought the Arabic language to the Balkan Peninsula as well. It is estimated that there is 436.08 million Arabs in the world today. Arabs today live all around the world and the number of Arabs living outside the Arabic region is estimated 30 to 50 million. According to various statistical reports there are over 6 million Arabs living in Europe today. Statistics are changing on daily bases. The new geo-political trends in the world are, in various ways, bringing Europe in contact with Arabic language. New centres and departments for studies of Arabic language are being opened throughout Europe. The oldest surviving Semitic language should, although it is not officially yet, be recognised in the context of expected linguistic policies of European Union regarding the necessity of studying the languages of various language families within multicultural Europe and also in context of promoting differences and multicultural communications.