President of the Arab World Institute in Paris Jack Lang said that since assuming the presidency of the Institute, he has been keen to take care of the Arabic language, noting that he has developed Arabic Language certification that is taught at the Institute, and this certificate is recognized by France, Europe and internationally.
He said that what gives cause for optimism is the great interest in recent years to learn, study and delve into Arabic in French universities and higher institutes, indicating that the certification created by the institute will encourage this enthusiasm for learning Arabic.
Lang also appreciated the pivotal and major role played by the State of Qatar, through the agreement signed by the Institute with it, in encouraging the learning of Arabic at the Institute and in France.
In his interview with QNA, President of Arab World Institute stressed the great integration of the French people of Arab and Islamic origins, from various generations, into the French society and its institutions, pointing out that they contribute fundamentally to the building, renaissance and progress of his country.
That does not preclude the existence of a racist minority in the French society, just like all societies, that tries to tarnish the image of immigrants, Arabs and Muslims, under the influence of the hate speech disseminated by the far-right party led by Marine Le Pen, he said, stressing that this racist discourse is very dangerous to society and must be resisted and fought. At the same time, he noted that that the majority of French people are reconciled with the values of tolerance, solidarity and acceptance of the other, and they encourage the integration of immigrants into the French society.
He underlined that the Arab World Institute in Paris is a forum for embracing the Arab-Islamic culture in France and Europe, and represents a civilized and cultural bridge that encourages dialogue, cooperation, communication, discovery and solidarity between the West and the East. He also praised the effective contribution of Arabs and Muslims to the development of science, philosophy, translation, literature and human culture during the period of prosperity of the Arab-Islamic civilization.
He said that the Institute holds monthly and periodic meetings to honor Arab and Muslim philosophers, authors, and thinkers, and to introduce their books and their enlightening intellectual productions, emphasizing the positive and important role that literature, translation, creativity, and culture can play today, despite all the contradictions that surround them, and their effective contribution in the dialogue between cultures, peoples, civilizations, East, West, North and South.
President of the Arab World Institute in Paris said that he is concerned about the rise of the extreme right in France and Europe, calling for the need to combat the “racist mentality” pursued by a minority in the society and not give it an opportunity so it doesn’t affect the rest of society. He stressed at the same time that the presence of immigrants, foreigners, and different cultures in European societies is luck, wealth, and added value to these societies and not vice versa..
He added that the wave of the far right will soon disappear from France and Europe, because European peoples are tolerant by nature and accept others easily.
Established in 1980 during the reign of the late French President Francois Mitterrand, the Arab World Institute in Paris is a French institution concerned with cultural affairs. Within its continuous activities throughout the year, it receives authors, thinkers and artists from all over the Arab and European world to present their ideas and creativity.
Designed by Jean Nouvel, the institute is a unique architectural masterpiece located on the banks of the Seine. It is the most important institution of Arab-Islamic culture in France and Europe.
This cultural landmark, which has a budget of 30 million euros with 150 employees, seeks to develop the study of the Arab world in France, deepen understanding of its civilization and culture, encourage cultural exchange and stimulate communication and cooperation between France and the Arab world. Arabic in France.
The Institute’s president is appointed based on a proposal from the French president, and in consultation with the representatives of the Arab countries in France.
Source: Qatar News Agency
