The Media Majlis Museum at Northwestern University in Qatar has launched its eighth mixed-media exhibition, “The Limits of My Language Are the Limits of My World.” This exhibition delves into the Arabic language, tracing its historical imprints, examining its diverse present, and considering its uncertain future. Curated by cultural producer and Northwestern Qatar alumna Amal Zeyad Ali, the exhibition will be on view until December 5, 2024.
In line with the museum’s mission, the new exhibition combines art, media, and technology to examine the present representations, historical impacts, and future of the Arabic language. Throughout history, Arabic has shaped tastes, perceptions, and narratives worldwide across culture, politics, social relations, trade, and science. Nowadays, however, Arabic faces challenges of misrepresentation, especially in a digital and globalized world where English increasingly prevails. This exhibition invites visitors to explore the rich history and influence of the Arabic language and to reflect on its place in the future.
“The inauguration of the new exhibition on Arabic language is a powerful testament to our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and intellectual exploration,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “By delving into the complexities and evolving influence of Arabic, this exhibition not only celebrates the richness of our cultural heritage but also sparks meaningful dialogue on its future. It aligns seamlessly with our academic mission, providing a platform for critical discussions that resonate deeply within our community and beyond.”
The exhibition revolves around four key themes that offer an immersive journey and thoughtful reflection. The first theme, “Always another side?,” introduces the Arabic language and its complexities, challenging the often negative stereotypes associated with it by highlighting its beauty, diversity, and cultural richness. It allows for a re-framing of the language and showcases that there is always another side.
The second theme, “An influential and powerful language?,” explores Arabic’s influence as a powerful language that has shaped politics, religion, science, and culture worldwide, illustrating its impact through linguistic borrowing and cultural exchange. It demonstrates that this process is not always seamless.
The third theme, “Does media representation matter?,” examines the portrayal of Arabic in contemporary media, questioning how the language is represented and its prominence in a rapidly globalizing, tech-driven world. It asses the availability of and access to Arabic content and media, as well as its quality and quantity.
The final theme, “Is Arabic a language of the future?,” discusses the future of Arabic, questioning whether current efforts to preserve, protect, and conserve the language are effective and how they can be improved or rethought.”The limits of my language are the limits of my world is more than just an exhibition; it is a bold statement on the critical importance of the Arabic language in our global narrative. This exhibition challenges us to confront the forces that threaten to diminish the richness of Arabic and instead celebrate its enduring influence on culture, politics, and thought,” said Alfredo Cramerotti, director of mm:museum of art, media, and technology at Northwestern Qatar.
