Language between Medicine and Literary Creativity

As a part of the Monday Scientific and Cultural Lectures series, in a rich research carried on the relationship between medicine and literature, Dr. Lama Quatnaji and Mr. Nizar Falouh presented their lecture “Arabic Language between Medicine and Literary Creativity”;

In the presence of the University President, Dr. Muhammad Adel Jawad, his deputies for Academic Affairs and Administrative Affairs, a number of deans, professors, and a group of administrative staff and university students, Dr. Lama started from the idea that medicine and literature are two elements that blend in one crucible despite their vast differences. She expressed her admiration for the importance and brilliance of the Syrian doctor in particular, and Arab doctors in general. She touched on ancient scholars who were doctors and writers at the same time, foremost among them “Ibn Sina” who linked medicine to literature, and contemporary writers such as “Abdul Salam Al-Ajili’, the poet and doctor.” Dr. Quatnaji clarified that many poets and writers used expressions of physical pain to refer to psychological pain, considering that both medicine and literature treat human pain. Then, Dr. Nizar Falouh continued talking about “linguistic displacement” and explained its types and its ability to express, noting that “Al-Jahiz” was the first to point it out.Dr. Muhammad Adel Jawad concluded by shedding the light on the richness and beauty of our Arabic language. He explained how literature heals and treats the soul, just as medicine heals the body. To wrap up the lecture, Dr. Jawad, Dr. Lama and Ms. Nizar answered some questions and inquiries. The lecture took place on Monday, April 7, 2025, the Small Auditorium.