Regional Survey of Languages in the Arab States

In line with the UNESCO’s efforts to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism, particularly in the context of the promotion and implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation Concerning the Promotion and Use of Multilingualism and Universal Access to Cyberspace (2003), UNESCO is developing the World Atlas of Languages (WAL) as a part of the Organization’s efforts to provide a global community with a reliable data for the informed decision-making processes. 

UNESCO invites its Member States and relevant partners in the Arab States to complete the Regional Survey of Languages prepared for the data collection in the Arab States.  This survey aims to collect a wide range of data on the number of spoken and sign languages in countries, as well as selected information about the use and users of each language. 

The survey is composed of one questionnaire, covering Spoken Languages and Sign Languages, one text document with descriptions and definitions. Please also note that the questionnaire is available in Excel format only. This format will facilitate the provision of data. Your timely response to this survey by 4 February 2021 will be essential to publish high-quality, cross-nationally comparable data and indicators, which will be used in the WAL, adding a dynamic dimension to the study of languages.  

The work on the Regional Survey of Languages in the Arab States has been generously funded by The Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.