Central Library expands Arabic-language novel collection

The Central Library has expanded its international fiction collection. In addition to the Arabic-language books already part of the library's extensive foreign-language holdings, new novels with German translations are now available. This new offering was made possible by the commitment of Bremen physician Dr. Ghassan Naib and his funding of the Arabic-language books.

To launch the new literary offerings, a reading was held on Monday, February 13th, in the reading garden of the Central Library. Christina Jocker, Dr. Ghassan Naib , and Farhan Hebbo presented the novel "Behind Paradise" by Egyptian author Mansura Eseddin bilingually. In her welcoming remarks, the head of the Central Library, Tina Echterdiek, Dr. Ghassan Naib for the generous book donation and invited all attendees to view a selection of the new books on display in the fiction section. Tina Echterdiek added: "This reading also takes place in the context of 'International Mother Language Day,' which focuses on 'promoting linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.' Alongside German, it's important to keep one's native language alive – as a foundation for learning a new language, for identification, understanding, and enrichment."

From now on, both the original Arabic novels and their German translations are available for loan at the Stadtbibliothek Bremen . This offering opens up many avenues for integration: for example, learning mentors and tandems can read the same novel together – each in their own language. Thanks to the translations, German readers gain insights into the Arabic cultural and literary landscape; Arabic readers can use these novels to initiate dialogues and discuss literature from their homeland. The fact that these novels are available in both languages ​​can also support language acquisition – for both German and Arabic learners. 

January 14, 2017