Conference at the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 2025
In November 2025, Professor Dr. Sebastian Günther participated in the Third International Conference on Arabic Studies in Europe, organized by the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah (مجمع اللغة العربية بالشارقة), United Arab Emirates. The conference was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah.
The international conference brought together 24 scholars from 19 European countries to discuss the teaching, study, and global dissemination of the Arabic language and its literary heritage. The program addressed topics such as the influence of Arabic on other languages, methods for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, the translation of Arabic literature, and the study and editing of the Arabic and Islamic intellectual tradition.
Professor Günther presented a paper entitled:
النَّصُّ قَبْلَ النَّظَرِيَّةِ؟
دِرَاسَةُ الأَدَبِ العَرَبِيِّ الكَلَاسِيكِيِّ فِي القَاعَاتِ الجَامِعِيَّةِ الأُورُبِّيَّةِ (وَمَا بَعْدَهَا)
(Text before Theory? Studying Classical Arabic Literature in European Classrooms — and Beyond)
In his lecture, he explored the role of primary texts in teaching classical Arabic literature and discussed approaches to studying Arabic literary heritage in contemporary European university classrooms.
The conference session at which Prof. Günther spoke was attended by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, who emphasized in his welcome speech the continued global relevance of the Arabic language and the importance of international scholarly cooperation in its study and teaching. The event provided an important forum for academic exchange among scholars working on the Arabic language, literature, and intellectual history in European academic contexts.
Here is a link to a report on the conference from Sharjah TV (in Arabic): [Watch on YouTube]
See below for photos and videos!
Press:
[Qatar News Agency]
[Sharjah 24]
Photo gallery:
