The Poetry of Sheikh Zayed is the Main Topic of a Number of Research and Studies That Show the Necessity for Translating the Emirati Culture.
The National Library and Archives Emphasizes the Importance of Translating the Poetry of Sheikh Zayed into English for its Authenticity and Embodiment of High National Principles and Values.
The 4th International Translation Conference, which will be organized by the National Library and Archives under the slogan (Towards New Horizons: Translation and the Building Knowledge Societies) on 17-18 April 2024 – honors the poetry of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, being an original poet who was keen to revive heritage, preserving customs and traditions, and sustaining growth, development and progress in the United Arab Emirates. One of the most important studies that the conference will witness is a study of his poetry as an example of the importance of translating the Emirati heritage into living languages in order to enhance the image of the UAE on the map of global culture.
The research, which will be presented by Professor Dr. Saddik Gouhar, Translation Expert at the National Library and Archives, entitled: “The Intellectual and Cultural Importance of Translating Emirati Heritage into English: The Poems of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as an Example” – confirms the importance of Sheikh Zayed’s poems, which were full of glories, heroism, ambition, and aspiration for ideals and values and high values.
The researcher examines excerpts from the poetry of Sheikh Zayed from multiple aspects in light of contemporary poetic translation theories and the theories of the British Poet Sir Philip Sidney, who praised ancient poets. The researcher confirms that Sheikh Zayed’s poems are an integral part of the heritage of Nabati poetry, which Ibn Khaldun referred to in his (Muqaddimah), which was first published in 1377. Sheikh Zayed was one of the pioneers of Emirati Nabati poetry. The Nabati poetry has been considered as an essential aspect of the local culture. Among the local poets who mastered the Nabati poetry is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other contemporary poets.
The researcher examines excerpts from the poetry of Sheikh Zayed from multiple aspects in light of contemporary poetic translation theories and the theories of the British Poet Sir Philip Sidney, who praised ancient poets. The researcher confirms that Sheikh Zayed’s poems are an integral part of the heritage of Nabati poetry, which Ibn Khaldun referred to in his (Muqaddimah), which was first published in 1377. Sheikh Zayed was one of the pioneers of Emirati Nabati poetry. The Nabati poetry has been considered as an essential aspect of the local culture. Among the local poets who mastered the Nabati poetry is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other contemporary poets.
The research discusses the importance of translating Sheikh Zayed’s poems into foreign languages, especially English, because his poems are creative paintings of national narratives and narrations that are deep-rooted in the Emirati history and cultural heritage. His poems have a local feature that highlights the importance of preserving heritage, honors the UAE cultural achievements, and having pride in national traditions and legacies. These poems also present topics about the UAE cultural and civilizational diversity. They also depict the insightful vision of Sheikh Zayed into life in the desert and oasis communities. These poems constitute the first literary works that have dealt with environmental issues, and formed a source of knowledge and a national symphony that chronicles the achievements of fathers and grandfathers, provides advice to the promising young generations, and are full of wonderful verses of wisdom and moral guidance. Sheikh Zayed’s poems strengthens the bonds of communication between the various segments of Emirati society. In addition to the human and aesthetic feelings that are considered the main pattern of most of the poems and thereby highlight the deep-rooted authentic features in the moral and social structure of Emirati society.
The conference sessions will discuss other issues related to the UAE society; so Professor Adriaan De Man from the United Arab Emirates University will present a study entitled: “Digitized Historical Resources for Sustainable UAE Heritage”. Professor Ivan Williams from the University of Abuja in Nigeria will present a study entitled: “AI-Enhanced Multilingual Cinema and Inclusivity in the Emirates and Globally”. Professor Dr. Soňa Šnircová from Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Slovakia will present a study entitled: “Arabic Literature in Slovak translation”, in addition to many other research papers and studies.