Dhofar University Holds the 2nd International Conference on “Fear in Language, Literature, and Culture”

The conference explores the human dimensions and cultural issues of fear

Salalah-May 6, 2025

Under the patronage of Vice Chancellor Professor Amer bin Ali Al Rawas, Dhofar University, the Second International Conference of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature commenced yesterday morning. The conference, themed “Fear in Language, Literature, and Culture,” is being held on May 6 and 7, 2025, in the University’s Conference Hall. The conference brought together a distinguished group of academics and researchers from national, Gulf, regional, and international universities.

The two-day conference, held on May 6–7, 2025, featured 33 scholarly papers presented by researchers and academics from various Arab countries. These contributions explored the phenomenon of fear in its linguistic, literary, and cultural dimensions, based on analytical and critical studies that reflected a rich diversity of research methodologies and intellectual perspectives.

The conference began with the National Anthem, followed by recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. After that, Dr Said bin Bakhit Bait Mubarak, Chair of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, delivered a welcoming speech addressing the guests and participants, emphasizing that the conference reflects the university’s constant commitment to advancing its scientific and research mission.

“Knowledge that resonates with reality”: The Vice Chancellor

In his statement about the conference, Prof. Amer bin Ali Al Rawas highlighted the Conference’s crucial role in fostering intercultural dialogue. He remarked, “This conference goes beyond examining fear as an abstract concept; it delves into its dimensions as a catalyst for creativity and a factor that shapes societal awareness. At Dhofar University, we believe that knowledge should serve as a bridge for cultural communication and a tool for understanding the complexities of our world.”

He also added: “Through this scientific forum, we seek to encourage interdisciplinary studies that link language and literature with the arts and humanities, based on our vision of building comprehensive knowledge that contributes to solving the problems of contemporary man.”

Paper Presentations

The first day featured four scholarly dialogue sessions, moderated by Dr Shafiq Al Nobani, Dr Ahmed Balkhair, Dr Aziza Al-Taieyah, and Dr Hussein Al Zeeb. The presented papers explored a range of themes, including the portrayal of the concept of ‘fear’ in both classical and contemporary Arabic poetry, as well as the concept’s narrative representations in novels and short stories and linguistic and cultural approaches that explored the impact of fear on linguistic structures and social patterns.

The conference sessions included extensive scientific discussions, during which the participants expressed their appreciation for the level of organization and good preparation, praising the scientific position that the Department of Arabic Language and Literature at Dhofar University now occupies at the local and international levels.

The first day sessions of the conference concluded with recommendations calling for deepening research into the social, linguistic, and literary phenomena of fear, and for strengthening research cooperation between Arab universities through joint initiatives and projects that serve humanistic and critical studies.

A conference exploring fear: navigating language, identity, and creativity

This conference serves as a multidisciplinary scientific platform designed to explore fear as a fundamental aspect of the human experience from various perspectives. It aims to connect academic dialogue with contemporary human issues through research that examines the impact of fear on the formation of individual and collective identities, as well as its role in shaping literary and artistic creativity.