By Professor Mahmoud Kamel
A few days ago, I received a phone call that brought back memories from almost fifty years ago. On the other end of the line was Mr Mohamed Fahmy, the Editor-in-Chief of The Egyptian Gazette. He invited me to write a regular column for this distinguished newspaper.
For a few moments, I found myself smiling before answering. My mind travelled back to 1978, when I was a young student at the Faculty of Al-Alsun, Ain Shams University.
At that time, I could never have imagined that one day I would write for the very newspaper that had helped me learn the English language.
Between 1978 and 1982, I studied in the English Department at Al-Alsun. For our professors of translation, The Egyptian Gazette was much more than a newspaper. It was an essential teaching tool. Almost every week, they came to class carrying articles clipped from its pages. Those articles became our practical lessons in translation.
Soon, buying The Egyptian Gazette became part of our weekly routine. We did not read it only to follow the news. We read it to understand how ideas were expressed, how sentences were built, and how Egyptian realities could be presented in clear and accurate English.
Whether the topic was politics, economics, culture, sports, or even the daily television schedule, every page offered us something new to learn. We discussed words, expressions, and writing styles. Without realising it, we were learning not only English but also the art of communicating Egypt to the world.
Those four years left a lasting mark on me. The newspaper became one of my silent teachers.
After graduation, my academic journey continued. I pursued postgraduate studies in English language and translation, and years later I had the honour of becoming a university professor of English language and translation. Looking back today, I can clearly see that the lessons I learned from The Egyptian Gazette accompanied me throughout that journey. They influenced not only my research and teaching but also the way I think and write.
Today, many people read newspapers on their phones or computers. The world of journalism has changed enormously. Yet I still believe that good writing never loses its value. A well-written article continues to educate, inspire, and build bridges between cultures.
That is why this invitation means so much to me. Life has a wonderful way of bringing us back to where our dreams first began. The newspaper that helped me as a student is now giving me the opportunity to contribute to its pages as a professor and columnist.
I accept this opportunity with sincere gratitude. It is a tribute to my professors at Al-Alsun, who encouraged us to learn from every article we read. It is also a tribute to The Egyptian Gazette, which has played an important role in the education of generations of translators, journalists, and English-language professionals in Egypt.
As I begin writing this column, I hope to share ideas and experiences that inform, encourage discussion, and celebrate the richness of our language, our culture, and our country.
Sometimes, life comes full circle in the most beautiful and unexpected way. I feel truly grateful to have reached this moment.
Dr Mahmoud Kamel
Professor at the Academy of Arts
