A new exhibition at the Media Majlis Museum (mm:museum) at Northwestern University in Qatar explores the past, present and future of the Arabic language.

Titled The Limits Of My Language Are The Limits Of My World and scheduled to run until December 5, it is the eighth mixed-media exhibition hosted by mm:museum and is curated by cultural producer and Northwestern Qatar alumna Amal Zeyad Ali.

The 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.

“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.

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.

An Influential And Powerful Language? explores Arabic’s influence as a powerful language that has shaped politics, religion, science and culture worldwide. Does Media Representation Matter? examines the portrayal of Arabic in contemporary media, questioning how the language is represented.

And, Is Arabic A Language Of The Future? discusses the future of the language.

“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,” said Alfredo Cramerotti, director of mm:museum.  

“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.

“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of conventional discourse and this exhibition exemplifies our dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of the media’s role in shaping the future of one of the world’s most vital languages.”

Amal added: “The Arabic language is a living testament to our rich cultural heritage, yet it faces unprecedented challenges in today’s globalised, digital landscape.

“With this exhibition, I aim to spark meaningful dialogue about these challenges and inspire a renewed appreciation for the beauty, diversity and resilience of Arabic.

“I hope that visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the language’s pivotal role in our past, present, and future, and feel empowered to contribute to its preservation and evolution.”

Commissioned artworks and interactive content that explore the richness and evolution of the Arabic language and culture are also featured in the exhibition. These include works by Qatar-based Jordanian artist Hala Amer; Bahraini artist Latifa Al Ali; Jordan-based Syrian artist Hussein Alazaat; Bahraini artist Zainab Alsabba; Saudi artist Yusef Alahmad; Saudi-based British artist Simon Mortimer and Tunisian artist Karim Jabbari.

The exhibition also features a Takween Mural, a life-size modular magnetic block developed in collaboration with Akwanand designerLujain Abulfaraj.

In addition to art pieces, the exhibition also features spoken word performances by Egyptian-Australian poet Salwa Sadek and Palestinian poet Dana Dajani, who explore themes of identity in dialogue with the voices of prominent content creators such as Salam Katanani and Qasem Elhato from Jordan, exploring why they create content in Arabic and draw audiences.

A selection of digital content, including music videos, comedy skits from American comedians Maz Jobrani and Mo Amer, animations from the Qatar Foundation, documentaries, and talks from TED and TEDx, are also featured.

These were provided by partners Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic and Al Araby TV, adding a multimedia dimension to the exploration of Arabic language and culture.

As the first museum in the Arab world dedicated to media and communication, mm:museum celebrates innovation, promotes open dialogue and fosters intellectual research for the next generation. The museum offers visitors transformative, interactive experiences that shatter traditional boundaries.

The exhibition is open from 10am to 8pm, Sunday to Thursday.

GO: Follow @themediamajlis on Instagram for more information.