MBRF’s ‘Alghani Azzahir’ Dictionary Advances Arabic Language Development

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) has reaffirmed its commitment to enriching the Arabic language and strengthening its role across knowledge fields through continued development and support for Arabic lexicography.

At the centre of these efforts is the ‘Alghani Azzahir’ dictionary, which MBRF describes as a modern linguistic reference combining the authenticity of Arabic heritage with contemporary approaches to language development.

A Modern Reference for Arabic Language Users

Following several years of research, MBRF officially launched the dictionary during its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in 2019.

The dictionary is based on the principle that dictionaries should serve as more than vocabulary references. It documents the evolution of language, explains meanings according to their contexts and uses carefully selected examples to help readers understand literary, scientific and intellectual content.

Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said the dictionary reflects the foundation’s long-term approach to developing Arabic language resources while responding to changes in the contemporary linguistic landscape.

He noted that the dictionary's methodology traces words to their roots and arranges entries according to an approved morphological system, while providing explanations of meanings and supporting evidence.

Classical and Contemporary Vocabulary

‘Alghani Azzahir’ includes a broad range of classical and modern Arabic vocabulary, alongside loanwords, foreign terms and newly developed expressions.

Its coverage extends across several specialist areas, including religious, scientific, technical and philosophical terminology. The dictionary also gives particular attention to proverbs and collocations.

Foreign and loanwords are traced to their Latin roots, highlighting the interaction between Arabic and other fields of knowledge and documenting the language's ongoing development.

Drawing on Arabic Literary Heritage

The dictionary is supported by an extensive linguistic corpus containing literary works from different periods.

Its examples draw on Quranic verses, prophetic traditions, classical and modern poetry, and Arabic literature, allowing words to be presented within the contexts in which they are naturally used.

This approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of meanings while demonstrating how vocabulary has evolved across different periods of Arabic literary and intellectual history.

Keeping Pace with Scientific and Technological Change

MBRF said the dictionary also responds to the emergence of modern terminology associated with scientific and technological developments.

By incorporating contemporary linguistic developments while maintaining links to Arabic's cultural and linguistic heritage, ‘Alghani Azzahir’ aims to support researchers, students, educators and Arabic-language enthusiasts.

The initiative also contributes to broader efforts to strengthen Arabic content creation, education and scientific research, while ensuring that Arabic language resources remain relevant to changing fields of knowledge.