Bridging Cultures: Arabic Language, Literature, and Intercultural Dialogue in Euro-Mediterranean Education

Abstract Book of the 12th International Conference on Social Sciences, Humanities and Education

Year: 2026

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Bridging Cultures: Arabic Language, Literature, and Intercultural Dialogue in Euro-Mediterranean Education

Maria Carola Leone

ABSTRACT:

This paper examines the role of Arabic language and literature in fostering intercultural dialogue and social cohesion within Euro-Mediterranean educational contexts. Drawing on contemporary Arabic literary texts and pedagogical practices, the study highlights how literature functions as a bridge between cultures, enabling learners to engage critically with history, identity, and transnational experiences.

Focusing on Sicily and other Mediterranean spaces as sites of cultural encounter, the research analyzes novels, memoirs, and short stories that address migration, collective memory, and linguistic hybridity. These texts not only document human mobility but also provide ethical frameworks for understanding diversity, resilience, and community-building across borders.

In addition, the paper explores innovative teaching approaches that integrate digital media, including social platforms and online collaborative projects, to enhance Arabic language learning and literary appreciation. By combining literary analysis with practical pedagogical strategies, the study demonstrates how Arabic literature can contribute to inclusive education, intercultural competence, and socially responsible citizenship.

This research contributes to ICSHE’s focus on social sciences, humanities, and education by illustrating how language and literature can serve as tools for cultural literacy, global awareness, and sustainable social practices. The paper argues that incorporating contemporary Arabic texts into curricula not only enriches learners’ linguistic and literary skills but also fosters empathy, ethical reflection, and a deeper understanding of Mediterranean cultural and social dynamics.

Keywords: Arabic Language, Literature, Intercultural Dialogue, Mediterranean, Migration, Education, Digital Pedagogy