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Draft:Dr K M A Ahamed Zubair

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Dr. K. M. A. Ahamed Zubair is an Indian academic, author, and scholar specializing in Arabic studies and cultural exchanges between Arabic and Tamil civilizations. He is a professor in the Department of Arabic at The New College, Chennai, and has authored over 460 works in Arabic, Tamil, English, and Hindi, covering diverse topics such as language, literature, and cultural history. Zubair is also a noted advocate for the revival of Arwi, a hybrid Arabic-Tamil language.

Early Life and Education

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K. M. A. Ahamed Zubair was born in Tamil Nadu, India. From an early age, he exhibited a keen interest in languages and cultural studies, particularly focusing on Arabic and Tamil. He pursued higher education in Arabic studies and began his academic career as a professor at The New College, Chennai.

Academic Contributions

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Dr. Zubair has contributed significantly to the study of Arabic language and culture in India. His works aim to bridge the gap between Arab and Indian civilizations by exploring their historical, linguistic, and cultural interactions. He has been actively involved in research on the influence of Arabic on Tamil culture, particularly through the Arwi language.

●      He has authored numerous scholarly articles and books, including those on Tamil translations of Arabic classics and vice versa.

●      His work has been reviewed by notable publications like The Hindu, which praised his efforts to explore the essence of Tamil literature in Arabic translation.

Advocacy for the Revival of Arwi

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Zubair is a prominent advocate for the revival of Arwi, a unique hybrid language blending Arabic and Tamil. He has spoken extensively about the historical importance of Arwi in fostering communication between Arab traders and Tamil-speaking communities in South India during medieval times. His efforts have been recognized in media outlets such as BBC Travel and The Hindu.

According to a 2024 article in BBC Travel, Zubair stated, "Arwi is a historical testimony to the cultural fusion between Arabs and Tamils, and its revival can enhance our understanding of shared heritage.[1]"

Publications

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Dr. Zubair has written extensively in multiple languages. Notable works include:

  1. Essence of Thirukkural in Arabic and English – A comparative analysis and translation of the Tamil classic Thirukkural. This work was reviewed in The Hindu on November 29, 2019[2].
  2. Articles on Arabic and Tamil cultural history, such as: "A Place for Arabic[3]" (The Hindu, December 13, 2016), "Arwi: The Lost Language of the Arab-Tamils[1]" (BBC Travel, February 12, 2024).

Recognition and Media Coverage

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Dr. Zubair has been featured in prominent national and international media outlets for his contributions:

  1. The Hindu: Articles highlighting his work, such as “A Forgotten Heirloom” and “A Place for Arabic,” emphasize his contributions to Arabic studies in India.[3]
  2. BBC Travel: A 2024 feature titled "Arwi: The Lost Language of the Arab-Tamils" recognizes his efforts in preserving this hybrid language.[1]
  3. Times of India: Coverage of his historical research, including "Arabian Nights on the Cool Sands of Kizhakkarai[4]"

He has also been interviewed by publications like Al-Arabiya English[5] and The News Minute[6], shedding light on his efforts to promote cultural dialogue.

Legacy and Impact

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Dr. Zubair's work has not only enriched academic understanding of Arabic and Tamil cultural exchanges but has also inspired a new generation of scholars to explore these connections. His advocacy for the revival of Arwi is regarded as a significant contribution to India's linguistic heritage.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Arwi: The lost language of the Arab-Tamils". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  2. ^ Badsha, Mohammed Obeidullah (2019-11-28). "The essence of Thirukkural in Arabic". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  3. ^ a b Zubair, K. M. A. Ahamed (2016-12-12). "A place for Arabic". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  4. ^ "Arabian nights on the cool sands of Kizhakkarai". The Times of India. 2014-07-30. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  5. ^ "Arwi, the Arabic-influenced dialect of Tamil, struggles for survival in India". Al-Arabiya English.
  6. ^ Jayarajan, Sreedevi (2019-06-18). "In coastal TN, an ancient hybrid language helped bring Arab traders and Tamils closer". The News Minute. Retrieved 2024-11-20.