QUICK FACTS
Date of Birth
1905
Tulkarm, Palestine
Place of Birth
Why Featured?
Renowned for his contributions to Arabic linguistics and his influential role as a broadcaster for the BBC Arabic Service.
BRIEF BIO
Hasan Karmi was a distinguished Palestinian linguist, broadcaster, and scholar. Known for his extensive work in Arabic linguistics and his long career with the BBC Arabic Service, Karmi made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Arabic language and culture. He authored numerous dictionaries and educational materials, which continue to be valuable resources for Arabic language learners and scholars.
LAST UPDATED
DATE
Monday, January 26, 2026
MAJOR MILESTONES
Key dates & turning points
Early Education in Tulkarm and Jerusalem (1920s): Attended a Qur'anic school in Tulkarm and the English College in Jerusalem, laying the foundation for his linguistic expertise.
Joined British Mandate Education Department (1930s): Worked as a schools inspector in Palestine, gaining experience in education and administration.
Career at BBC Arabic Service (1948-1989): Served as a broadcaster for nearly 40 years, creating and presenting the literary program "Qawlun ala Qawl" which became the longest-running show in BBC Arabic history.
Authored Arabic-English Dictionaries (1950s-2000s): Compiled eleven dictionaries, significantly contributing to Arabic-English lexicography and supporting Arabic language education globally.
Returned to the Middle East (1989): Spent his later years in Jordan, continuing his scholarly work until his death in 2007.
CONTRIBUTIONS
What they did, and why it matters
Promotion of Arabic Language: Through his weekly program "Qawlun ala Qawl," Karmi played a crucial role in promoting Arabic poetry and proverbs, fostering a greater appreciation for Arabic literature and culture
Creation of Authoritative Dictionaries: Karmi’s work on Arabic-English dictionaries provided essential resources for students and scholars, bridging linguistic gaps and enhancing understanding of Arabic language and grammar (Arab World Books) .
Education and Mentorship: As a schools inspector and educator, Karmi influenced educational practices in Palestine, advocating for scientific and rational thinking among students .
Cultural Preservation: His extensive collection of books and manuscripts, gathered throughout his travels in the Arab world, preserved important cultural and literary heritage for future generations.
Advocacy for Palestinian Issues: Karmi’s writings and broadcasts frequently addressed the challenges faced by Palestinians, raising international awareness about the impact of the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the Palestinian struggle for rights and recognition.
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Last updated
Jan 26, 2026
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