Preserving Heritage: Lamia Al Shamsi’s Mission to Keep the Emirati Dialect Alive Through Social Media
In an era where digital media often shapes the way cultures are expressed and preserved, one woman in the UAE has taken a remarkable path to ensure her heritage is not forgotten. Lamia Rashid Al Shamsi, a 54-year-old mother, grandmother, and former teacher from Sharjah, has become a powerful voice in preserving the Emirati dialect—using the very tools of modern communication to keep an age-old tradition alive.
From the Classroom to the Digital World
Al Shamsi spent seven years as a teacher before deciding to devote her time to raising her children. Once they were grown, her passion for the Emirati dialect led her to start a personal project in 2014. What began as a hobby quickly gained traction among her family, friends, and eventually a much wider audience online.
“At first, it was a personal project to document the Emirati dialect, but I noticed how much interest it generated,” Al Shamsi shared in an interview. Encouraged by her circle, she created a dedicated social media account to share vocabulary, expressions, and the cultural significance behind them.
Building a Community Through Language
Al Shamsi’s initial posts were simple—images and text explaining traditional Emirati words. However, as interest grew, so did the depth of her content. Followers began asking for pronunciation tips and usage in everyday speech. To meet this demand, Al Shamsi began incorporating voice recordings and animated visuals into her posts, making them both engaging and educational.
With a growing audience, she built a remote team to assist with sourcing sounds and creating media. She personally handled the editing process, ensuring each post was not only accurate but also resonated emotionally with her viewers.
A Mother’s Mission Turned National Movement
Al Shamsi’s original goal was deeply personal: she wanted her children to speak their native dialect fluently. “I never allowed them to speak English with me at home – that was for school,” she explained. This personal conviction laid the foundation for a wider educational mission aimed at children and parents across the UAE—and even beyond.
Over the years, her platform has drawn attention from across the Gulf and globally, with people eager to learn Emirati vocabulary and understand its cultural context. Many followers have even inquired about formal courses in the dialect, highlighting the gap her work is filling.
Future Plans: Books and Cartoons for the Next Generation
Looking ahead, Al Shamsi is planning to publish an illustrated book that explains the Emirati dialect in a fun and accessible way. Her dream is for the book to be used in schools to help students reconnect with their linguistic roots.
She also envisions a cartoon series designed specifically for younger audiences. “I hope to see this book adopted by schools to teach students about their cultural language,” she said.
Through her research, Al Shamsi discovered that around 80% of Emirati words trace their origins to classical Arabic. This finding reinforces the idea that learning the dialect is not just about speaking differently—it’s about maintaining a deep, historical connection with the broader Arabic language.
Reaching New Audiences Through Modern Channels
Al Shamsi’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. She has been featured in various media programs and has partnered with television channels to advocate for the preservation of the Emirati dialect. “Documenting the language alone is not enough; there must be an educational framework to teach the language and heritage to future generations,” she noted.
While most of her current followers are in their 30s and above, Al Shamsi is actively working to expand her reach among younger audiences. She is exploring new social media platforms and creating more interactive content to engage the next generation.
Her story is a testament to the power of one person’s dedication to cultural preservation. With the help of social media, Lamia Al Shamsi is not just teaching words—she’s nurturing identity, heritage, and pride in the Emirati way of life.
