Within the Framework of Enriching Knowledge Societies,
The National Library and Archives Organizes a Lecture on Al-Ramsa … Repository of Identity and Memory

As part of its cultural season, the National Library and Archives organized a national educational lecture titled: “Al-Ramsa: Repository of Identity and Memory”. The lecture emphasized that Al-Ramsa—or speech—plays an important role in social communication and in instilling national identity, as it is part of the cultural heritage that reflects the values, customs, and traditions of the society, and contributes to promoting the dense of belonging.
In a style that blended images with words, their meanings, and connotations, Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the National Library and Archives, took participants on a journey into the depths of the Emirati dialect (Al-Ramsa), stressing the importance of paying attention to it and preserving it. She pointed out that words—or Ramsa—play a vital role in satisfying curiosity, acquiring knowledge, analysis and classification, and facilitating communication among individuals and groups. She noted that in Lisan al-Arab Lexicon, Ramsa means “hushed speech,” while Ramsat refers to sayings, and Ramis means “the speaker.” She also revealed the direct uses of Ramsa as a social term among Emiratis, such as “Ramees” and “Ramas,” and highlighted expressions like “Hathraban” and “Hidmah” are used to describe an excessive talker, and other expressions.
Held at Liwa Hall at the headquarters of the National Library and Archives, the lecture explored the (ramsat) phrases of courtesy and social communication used within members of the society. Among the most deeply rooted phrases in the cultural and societal heritage is “La Tsheloon Hamm” (meaning ‘don’t worry’), along with many other customs and traditions connected to the Emirati dialect, puns, or forms of cryptic language used among members of the society in obscure words and phrases with indirect meanings. Dr. Bilkhair highlighted the appropriate responses and answers in various occasions such as congratulations of Eid and weddings, success, apologies, and gratitude. She emphasized that individuals acquire dialectal terms from their mothers, environment and peers, as well as through exposure to poetry, sayings and proverbs. Furthermore, she examined the loan words and phrases in the Emirati dialect, highlighting the importance of selecting a word before pronouncing it and knowing its dimensions, as every context has a saying.
Dr. Aisha Bilkhair cited some verses of poetry by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed the First, may they rest in peace, revealing their creativity and refined taste in selecting words rooted in classical Arabic with profound meanings. These poems reflected not only elevated language and eloquent expressions but also tender emotions blended with wisdom.
The Research Advisor also discussed the role of poetry in everyday speech, recalling a number of popular proverbs and traditional terms and expressions once familiar in Emirati communities.
She emphasized the importance of preserving the Emirati Ramsa, sustaining the cultural heritage, and passing it on to future generations, describing the process as a sacred mission to be carried out with pride and honor.