Calligraphy and language: bridge to culture

Calligraphy and learning a language are both ways to connect more deeply with the culture from which they originate, believes Salwa Zaher. At the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennal, she comes to this conclusion. The event is taking place for the 11th time this year in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, from 2 October to 30 November. 

After 14 years of not being surrounded by my native language and Arabic calligraphy, the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennal feels like a special opportunity to return to this rich art form and culture. This event is more than just a celebration of calligraphy; it is a rediscovery of my heritage and the beauty of my Arabic roots.

The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennal, one of the world's most prestigious events in the field of calligraphy, takes place every two years. It attracts artists, experts and art lovers from all over the world and celebrates the beauty of calligraphy in different cultures and languages. Whether Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Western script, calligraphy is closely linked to the language in which it is written. For language students, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the aesthetics of a new language visually and artistically.

Learning to write in a new language, as in my case previously in Dutch, goes beyond letters and grammar. It also includes understanding the cultural context. Calligraphy is a physical expression of language. But physical Dutch writing also helps me appreciate its structure and beauty.

Scripture and cultural identity

The biennial attracts not only calligraphers but also experts who delve into the cultural meanings of calligraphy in different languages, from Arabic to Dutch. Calligraphist Hassan Massoudy, for example, offers insights into the philosophical dimensions of Arabic calligraphy. He also encourages people learning a language to think about how writing and language reflect a culture's identity.

Learning a language can thereby be a bridge between cultures. By immersing yourself in a new language, such as Dutch, you open the door to a wider cultural world. Like calligraphy, learning a language connects different cultures and increases understanding of cultural diversity.

Exhibitions and workshops

The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennal showcases different styles, from traditional Islamic calligraphy to modern interpretations. Exhibitions at the biennial such as ‘Calligraphy and Art of Installation’ explore new techniques and materials, weaving calligraphy into sculptures and multimedia installations. I think for people learning Dutch, language can also be seen as an art form: carefully composing sentences, finding the right words and understanding nuances. Learning Dutch can be enriched by studying how art and language come together in Dutch culture. Like in the paintings of the Golden Age, where texts or symbols give deeper meaning to the visual story.

One of the highlights of the biennial will be the workshops where visitors will learn the techniques of calligraphy. This hands-on experience offers participants the chance to develop their skills. The idea of ‘handwriting’ is crucial, both in calligraphy and in learning a language. For example, focusing on writing Dutch letters and words helped me to better memorise and internalise the language.

The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennal celebrates the art of writing and gives me a chance to reflect on the broader significance of language in our cultural identity. Learning a new language like Dutch is also a process of creative expression and cultural discovery. Just as calligraphy bridges tradition and modernity, learning a language helps me stay connected to my cultural roots while expanding my horizons into new worlds. Whether practising calligraphy or learning the Dutch language, both experiences are ways to connect more deeply with the culture, history and beauty of language in its many forms.

Photo via Salwa Zaher
Salwa Zaher (right) at the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennal