Classical Arabic and the Hibernation of the Arab Mind by Walid Khalil

Making the compelling case for revolutionizing language practices across the Arab world, Classical Arabic and the Hibernation of the Arab Mind by Walid Khalil is a well-argued proposal for a necessary paradigm shift. Drawing on history, philosophy, linguistics, and raw logic, the author outlines the increasing limitations of Classical Arabic, and argues that adopting written forms of everyday spoken languages would propel the Arab world into a modern renaissance. With the aim of greater sophistication, nuance, and competitiveness that such practices would bring, while also acknowledging key cultural traditions surrounding language, this is a measured and thought-provoking plea for progress.