Linguistics Hour: Focus on Writing Systems
On February 12th, the English Club convened once again for the 'Linguistics Hour' in the Language Enhancement Program (LEP) room at the main campus. This ongoing initiative aims to identify challenges in English language learning, discuss innovative methods to enhance English language education, and explore practical applications of English in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The featured speaker for this session was Faisal Alfadhil, a lecturer with the Faculty of Languages & Translation. Known for his close rapport with the students, Alfadhil, a Florida Atlantic University alumnus, had recently returned to the department and assumed the role of Director of Student Activities. His presence was a significant draw for many enthusiastic attendees.
Director Alfadhil steered the conversation towards writing systems, beginning with an exploration of the historical origins of written language as an extension of spoken communication. He delineated the evolution of orthography over millennia, culminating in its current form. Alfadhil underscored that written language is one of humanity's most remarkable accomplishments, exerting a profound influence on nearly every facet of human societies. In early civilizations, humanity relied solely on oral traditions. The advent of written language permitted the preservation of valuable information and wisdom for future generations, offering a more reliable method than centuries of oral storytelling. While the motivations of early humans to pen their thoughts remain uncertain, the indispensability of written language to society is irrefutable.
During the lively Q&A that ensued, an intriguing discussion emerged about 'Abjad' languages, or languages composed exclusively of consonants, with Arabic being a prominent example. Despite their structural differences from languages incorporating vowels, empirical evidence suggests that both types of languages are equally effective in facilitating communication.
Wrapping up the Linguistics Hour, Director Alfadhil expressed gratitude to the participants, both students and staff. He emphasized, "Writing well can undoubtedly propel your personal and professional success. But remember, writing is a precious legacy from our ancestors. When you write, you honor an age-old tradition of safeguarding records for future generations."
