Muscat:
The national identity reflects the privacy of any nation and how it sees life, the nature of its people and their practices. It also distinguishes a nation from others in its history, language, cultural and social characteristics.
The national identity consists of elements such as the cultural and heritage aspects and it is the framework that identifies the identity of the individuals of society; and it affects the behaviour and citizenship.
Dr. Hanan bint Mahmoud Ahmed, a researcher in national identity, said that whatever distinguishes the Omani national identity is the language, the common history, traditions, customs, values, religion, geographic location of Oman and the inherited aspects for which the individual should stick to and feel proud of, among other elements.
She stressed the role of researchers in boosting the Omani identity in children to make them aware, well protected and capable of identifying what keeps abreast to the values of the society.
She said that society should instill the concepts of national identity into the individuals to boost loyalty and sincerity in the people.
She pointed to the necessity of shedding light on content makers to make digital content with clear objectives to serve the sustainability of the national identity.
She also stressed the significance of protecting the national identity amidst the continued attempts of the cultural invasion and domination of other cultures. The aim is to provide the nation with moralities, ideas and practices that do not go hand in hand with Islamic values, she added.
These attempts aim to create common global values, practices and concerns that lead to creation of a common global identity, she added.
She also stressed the necessity of addressing these challenges and boosting the sense of loyalty for the land and the nation.
Dr. Hanan also stated that there is a possibility for a change of the national identity of citizens due to being exposed for long to several cultures and being open to other countries with different values and cultures.
