Last evening, in the aim by Nasser’s African youths to push the globalization of Swahili, the Global Solidarity Network (Nasser Youth Movement – Swahili Department) organized the first session of “Global Solidarity Talks” titled “The Translation Movement.

Global Solidarity Talks

The event, “Globalization of the Swahili Language,” was in line with the celebrations of World Swahili Language Day. It highlighted Egypt’s role in the African translation movement as the Movement looks to promote the globalization of Swahili.

The session featured Dr. Alaa Salah Abdel Wahed. He is a lecturer of Swahili literature; Department of African Languages and Literature, Faculty of Languages and Translation, Al-Azhar University. He is a visiting lecturer of Swahili literature at the Faculty of Alsun, Ain Shams University.

Key Take-Aways From The Event

The program was opened by anthropologist and international activist Hassan Ghazaly, who welcomed Dr. Alaa Salah and the attendees. He went on to announce the launch of the first session of Global Solidarity Talks. He explained that this session is part of a series of Swahili-speaking sessions scheduled to be held weekly throughout July, celebrating the global significance of the Swahili language.

Mr. Ghazaly went on to invite attendees to another session on tomorrow.  He also stated that the program had been first launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was meant to reaffirm the necessity of human solidarity. Also, the importance of championing the globalization of Swahili by the Movement and other youth stakeholders on the continent.

Ghazaly stated that the Global Solidarity Talks program continues the “Global Citizen Talks” initiative launched by the network in 2020.

The program aims to promote dialogue and understanding among youth from diverse cultures and backgrounds worldwide. It is the aim of the Nasser African Youth, to push the globalization of Swahili. Also, to create an open platform for discussion and intellectual exchange on global solidarity issues.

It also offers Egyptian students studying languages the opportunity to practice their study language with native speakers from Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. The program is set to organize numerous discussion sessions in various languages.

During the session, several key points were addressed, including

• the importance of language learning
• translation as a vital tool for cultural and civilizational exchange among peoples.
• Other ways for Nasser’s African youths to champion Swahili’s globalization

Dr. Alaa highlighted the role of Swahili literature in understanding the cultures of the region’s peoples. He noted that literature serves as a mirror of society and a means to comprehend the psychology of populations.

He pointed out that translating literary works, whether written or oral, contributes to strengthening the cultural, national, and African identity among Swahili speakers.

Nasser’s African Youths Role In Swahili Globalization

In this context, Dr. Alaa extended special thanks to anthropologist and international activist Hassan Ghazaly, Founder of the Global Solidarity Network, for his significant efforts toward the African continent and his interest in promoting the Swahili language and celebrating World Swahili Language Day.

Dr Alaa, praised the efforts of the Nasser Youth Movement and Nasser’s African Youth in promoting and supporting the globalization of Swahili. He especially mentioned the training of Egyptian university students studying the language in translation, organizing workshops, seminars, and events that contribute to the development of translators’ skills and knowledge.

He also commended the efforts of the “Articles and Opinions” platform, which allows students to write articles in Swahili, enhancing their writing skills and intellectual contributions, and providing them with the freedom to express their opinions and ideas.

Dr. Alaa explained that the translation movement between Arabic and Swahili is highly rich. He noted that translations began in Islamic productions from Arabic to Swahili, way before the colonial period. He affirmed that the current translation movement is flourishing and in demand across various fields. “This is largely to the widespread use of the Swahili language and the active translation movement,” he added.

The session was moderated by Mervat Sakr. She is a researcher and translator pursuing a master’s degree in African languages, specializing in Swahili. She is also the Swahili language coordinator for the official website of the Nasser Youth Movement. Her excellent work has seen her being awarded the National Translation Award in 2023..

What Is Global Solidarity Network?

It is worth mentioning that the Global Solidarity Network is a platform comprising 15 diverse projects, initiatives, and programs in media, culture, youth, leadership, and international relations.

The network aims to enhance Egypt’s role  in youth and global development affairs. Also to drive the concept of solidarity among social actors and young politicians globally, especially in the Global South. It also strives to achieve justice and democracy in international relations.

So far, approximately 18,000 young people around the world have benefited from the network’s projects. It is primarily working to promote values of peace, solidarity, and understanding among different cultures.