Detect spelling mistakes, get rewarded in RAK
ras al khaimah — Want to make some money? Simply take your camera or smartphone and dig for any mistake in the words used in any commercial sign on the roads in Ras Al Khaimah.
Send the same to the WhatsApp account of the RAK department of economic development on mobile No. 0504321966, urged Ahmed Ali Al Balooshi, director of the department.
“So far, 44 people have participated in the initiative, which is meant to protect the Arabic language and curb spelling mistakes in the commercial signboards in the emirate.” The pioneering move coincides with the World Arabic Language Day, he added. “The initiative, run for the second time in a row, is held under the theme ‘Lingual Lens’.” Al Balooshi said the section concerned shall refer the mistake spotted to the linguistics experts concerned.
“If the same proves to be correct, the department shall contact the one who detected the mistake and reward with a cash prize.”
The initiative is open until the end of this week. Each and every one should participate in this critical mission which cannot be the job of only the officials concerned, Al Balooshi said. “Arabic language should be used correctly and free from any mistake.”
Adnan Ukasha, a Jordanian resident, said. “I had a degree in Arabic, and feel offended when I come across any spelling mistakes in a road or outlet board.”
Omar Ahmed, an Egyptian resident said: “I have come across so many fun translations in which the name of a man known as Matar was translated as rain.” ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com