Detect Arabic spelling mistakes in RAK signboards, get cash

Ras Al Khaimah - Share the mistake on the WhatsApp number 0504321966.

Want to make some money? Simply take your camera or smartphone and dig for any mistake in the words used in any commercial sign on the roads of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

Send the same to the WhatsApp account of the RAK department of economic development on mobile No. (0504321966), urged Ahmed Ali Al Balooshi, director of the department.

"So far, 44 people have fervently participated in the initiative, which is meant to protect the Arabic language and curb all spelling mistakes in the commercial signboards in the emirate."

The pioneering move coincides with the World Arabic Language Day, he added. "The initiative, run for the second time in a row, is held under the theme Lingual Lens."

Al Balooshi said the section concerned shall refer the lingual mistake spotted to the linguistics expert concerned.

"If the same proves to be true, the department shall contact the one who detected the mistake and reward him with a cash prize in recognition for his effort and cooperation."

The door is open for application in the drive until the end of this week, he stated. "We are all proud of the Arabic language; our mother tongue which is associated with our national identity and Arabic civilization."

Each and every one should participate in this critical mission which cannot be the job of only the officials concerned, Al Balooshi underlined. "Arabic language should be used correctly and free from any mistake."

Adnan Ukasha, a Jordanian resident, said he is a big fan of Arabic language. "I had a degree in the same, and feel offended when I come across any spelling mistakes in a road or outlet board."

The same applies to the misleading and incorrect Arabic translation of the details in these boards, according to Omar Ahmed, and Egyptian resident. "I have come across so many fun translations in which the name of a man known as Matar was translated as Rain."

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah