Aliyu Mustapha Lawal, Lecturer of Hausa at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, participated in the Al Safa Library Talks series hosted by Dubai Public Libraries on May 21, 2026.
The event marked the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, an international observance promoting intercultural dialogue and inclusion.
Bringing together writers and poets from diverse cultural backgrounds, the panel examined how cultural exchange shapes contemporary literary production and the UAE’s role as a meeting point for languages and traditions.
During the session, Lawal spoke about the relationship between language, literature, and culture, describing poetry as a form that brings these elements into close interaction. He also addressed the influence of Arabic on African languages and how literary expression develops through contact between cultures.
“Diversity shapes our writing through the interaction of multiple cultures, especially in the UAE,” he said.
The session included writers Louis Garrat and Naouel Chaooi and was moderated by Emirati writer Eman Al Yousuf. It was held at Al Safa Art and Design Library in Dubai.
Lawal will teach Hausa in Fall 2026 as part of the African Languages and Translation Program. The program will offer elementary and intermediate courses in Arabic, Hausa, Kiswahili, and Amharic for non-native speakers. Learn more.
Aliyu Mustapha Lawal, Lecturer of Hausa at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, participated in the Al Safa Library Talks series hosted by Dubai Public Libraries on May 21, 2026.
Aliyu Mustapha Lawal, Lecturer of Hausa at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, participated in the Al Safa Library Talks series hosted by Dubai Public Libraries on May 21, 2026.
The event marked the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, an international observance promoting intercultural dialogue and inclusion.
Bringing together writers and poets from diverse cultural backgrounds, the panel examined how cultural exchange shapes contemporary literary production and the UAE’s role as a meeting point for languages and traditions.
During the session, Lawal spoke about the relationship between language, literature, and culture, describing poetry as a form that brings these elements into close interaction. He also addressed the influence of Arabic on African languages and how literary expression develops through contact between cultures.
“Diversity shapes our writing through the interaction of multiple cultures, especially in the UAE,” he said.
The session included writers Louis Garrat and Naouel Chaooi and was moderated by Emirati writer Eman Al Yousuf. It was held at Al Safa Art and Design Library in Dubai.
Lawal will teach Hausa in Fall 2026 as part of the African Languages and Translation Program. The program will offer elementary and intermediate courses in Arabic, Hausa, Kiswahili, and Amharic for non-native speakers. Learn more.
Subscribe to our mailing list and get the latest news from The Africa Institute
