The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) is set to participate in the "Seoul International Book Fair (SIBF) 2024" in the Republic of Korea. Organized by the Korean Publishers Association, the event will run from June 26 to 30 at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center. KSGAAL will be represented at the SIBF’s 66th edition as part of Saudi Arabia's pavilion, which is joining the event as a guest of honor for the second time since 2012.
On the sidelines of the event, KSGAAL will launch the "Arabic Language in Korea" project, a research initiative featuring a series of scholarly books about the Arabic language in the Republic of Korea. Visitors can explore a special book corner, which includes publications related to language and identity, such as "100 Questions about the Arabic Language" and the "Guide for Non-native Arabic Language Learners" in both Arabic and English. The display will also feature KSGAAL's latest publications, Arabic language books in Korea, and selections from the "Arabic Language in the World" series.
During the SIBF 2024, KSGAAL will host the "Saudi-Korean Linguistic Forum," a scientific, cultural forum held in collaboration with the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission. The forum will include a seminar on "The Arabic and Korean Languages: Present and Future" and a panel discussion titled "Arabic Language and Cultural Communication." The discussions will focus on the role of language in conveying cultural values, traditions, and societal norms, as well as shaping identity, preserving the heritage, and exploring common characteristics between Arabic and Korean languages. Another session will delve into "Historical and Contemporary Interactions between Arabic and Korean Cultures," covering trade, travel, cultural interactions, and their impact on language.
KSGAAL previously organized the international conference "Challenges and Prospects of Teaching Arabic Language and Literature" in Seoul on May 9 and 10 in collaboration with the Korean Society for Arabic Language and Literature and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS). The conference attracted wide participation from Saudi and international linguistic academics, institutions, and heads of Korean linguistic societies and Arabic departments.
SIBF is one of the most prestigious book fairs in Asia and the world. Launched in the mid-1950s, it evolved into an international event in 1995, serving as a hub for publishers, distributors, and industry experts across the continent. The Republic of Korea leverages this platform to showcase its advancements in the publishing industry, driven by its cutting-edge technological and scientific infrastructure. SIBF also highlights Korea's culture of openness to interaction with diverse cultures. The 2024 edition will feature around 90 institutions and publishing companies from 19 countries, alongside 350 Korean publishing houses.
By joining the Saudi pavilion at SIBF, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, KSGAAL aims to introduce its projects and programs dedicated to disseminating the Arabic language locally and globally. The initiative also focuses on teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, highlighting Saudi Arabia's efforts in promoting Arabic language and sciences worldwide. By enriching Arabic content and raising awareness among visitors from Korea and beyond, KSGAAL seeks to enhance the status of the Arabic language and culture on an international stage.