MoU with Gaziantep Islam Science and Technology University expands academic collaboration, digital lexicography, and Arabic language education
Gaziantep: The Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gaziantep Islam Science and Technology University in Türkiye to strengthen academic cooperation in Arabic language studies, expand the use of digital linguistic resources in higher education, and promote collaborative research in lexicography.
The agreement was signed at the university’s headquarters in Gaziantep by the Executive Director of the Doha Historical Dictionary, Dr Mohammed Al Obaidi, and the university’s President, Prof. Sehmus Demir.
According to a statement issued by the Doha Historical Dictionary, the partnership will foster joint research projects in Arabic linguistics and historical lexicography, while supporting the organization of specialized workshops, conferences, and academic seminars in both in-person and virtual formats.
As part of the collaboration, the two institutions will work together to develop university courses and teaching modules that integrate the dictionary’s digital resources and applications, helping to enrich Arabic language instruction with modern linguistic tools.
The agreement also includes training programmes designed to equip students and researchers with the skills to effectively use the Doha Historical Dictionary and other digital lexicographical resources for learning, research, and linguistic analysis. In addition, it aims to support faculty members in incorporating the platform into their teaching and to explore opportunities for integrating the dictionary into the university’s digital infrastructure, enhancing both educational and technical cooperation.
During the signing ceremony, Dr Al Obaidi presented the Doha Historical Dictionary’s commemorative shield to Prof. Demir in recognition of his personal contributions and the university’s efforts to advance Arabic language studies.
As part of his visit, Dr Al Obaidi met with doctoral students and researchers specializing in Arabic linguistics and delivered a lecture introducing the Doha Historical Dictionary. The session highlighted the dictionary’s methodology, practical applications, and academic significance, followed by an interactive discussion on its role in supporting contemporary linguistic research.
The Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language is a pioneering scholarly project that documents the historical development and semantic evolution of Arabic vocabulary from the fifth century before the Hijra to the present day. The dictionary continues to expand by incorporating newly emerging words, terminology, and meanings, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the Arabic language.