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French Linguist Alain Rey Passes Away

Alain Rey, October 28, 2015. JOEL SAGET / AFP
Alain Rey, October 28, 2015. JOEL SAGET / AFP
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French Linguist Alain Rey Passes Away

Alain Rey, October 28, 2015. JOEL SAGET / AFP
Alain Rey, October 28, 2015. JOEL SAGET / AFP

Famous French linguist Alain Rey, one of the major creators of the iconic dictionary Le Robert, died Tuesday at the age of 92, announced his wife and publishers les éditions Le Robert.

Rey, winner of many literary awards, was a member of the team brought together by French-Algerian lawyer Paul Robert to create a new French language dictionary. The six-volume dictionary known as Le Grand Robert saw the light in 1964, followed by le Petit Robert in 1967, and many other later versions.

Alain Rey was among the toughest defenders of the French language's evolution in its hybrid origin from different languages (such as Latin, Celtic, and German) and its constant interference with other languages like Italian, and Spanish. The late linguist had also overseen the creation of the Historical dictionary of the French language (1992).

His audience knew him through a daily morning segment discussing words and language on France Inter FM from 1993 to 2006. Rey won many prizes, and worked as a university professor in the US, and at the Sorbonne University in Paris. He also headed the terminology committee in the ministry of culture, and was known for his support to feminizing professions' names.

"Alain Rey had always insisted to represent the French language in all its challenges, richness, and mystery," a joint statement by his wife and Le Robert publishing house wrote.

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Saudi Arabia Joins Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Wetlands host 40 percent of the world’s species and plant life and store 30 percent of global carbon. (SPA)
Wetlands host 40 percent of the world’s species and plant life and store 30 percent of global carbon. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Joins Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Wetlands host 40 percent of the world’s species and plant life and store 30 percent of global carbon. (SPA)
Wetlands host 40 percent of the world’s species and plant life and store 30 percent of global carbon. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), has officially joined the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar), underling its commitment to conserving environmental wealth and natural habitats that support rich biodiversity, promote environmental sustainability, and boost the national economy.

Saudi Arabia’s accession underscores its strong support for global efforts to preserve ecosystems in terrestrial and coastal environments, especially as challenges related to water, climate, and biodiversity become increasingly interconnected.

This step reflects the NCW’s broader efforts in leading a comprehensive development plan that supports research, monitoring, and conservation initiatives.

NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban stated: “The conservation of wetlands directly contributes to ecological balance, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. The Kingdom’s accession to the Ramsar Convention is a strategic step that will reap both environmental and economic benefits.”

The center will implement the convention across Saudi territory in cooperation with relevant stakeholders to protect the Kingdom’s natural assets. It also contributes to national and international conservation efforts by developing and executing plans, policies, and legislation.

The NCW is working to identify suitable sites for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and to ensure their effective management.

Wetlands are more than natural landscapes; they are vital ecosystems rich in biodiversity and natural resources. They host 40 percent of the world’s species and plant life, store 30 percent of global carbon, and serve as essential sources of water, food, medicine, and energy.

Wetlands also support agricultural production, regulate climate, provide ecotourism opportunities, and serve as critical stopovers for migratory waterbirds traveling between continents.