Problematic: Arabs Aren’t Speaking Arabic Anymore

Is the Arabic Language Becoming History?

Arabs just don’t think speaking Arabic is cool anymore. Lebanese activist Suzanne Talhouk noticed this as she observed a shift among several age groups from speaking primarily Arabic to English.

“I realized that Arabic was becoming extinct,” she says.

Why? She sees a few solid reasons:

Arabic is perceived as old-fashioned while speaking English is a sign of cultural superiority. (“I saw that even people from poor families would speak only in English just to prove that they are from a certain culture or maintain a certain image,” she says.)

Arabic hasn’t kept up with neologisms. The words “CD” and “Internet” never made it into the language. (“Even if the terminologies are there, they are not easy to digest and are not marketed well.”)

They associate Arabic with terrorism. It’s a national case of identity conflict, where people would rather be heard saying “Thank you” rather than “Shukran.”

In response, she has founded an NGO to encourage Arabs to to get back into it, offering the following tips:

 

What parents can do:

1. Never tell your children that Arabic is not important and that they won’t need it.

2. Talk to them in Arabic.

3. Make sure they read in Arabic.

4. Tell them stories that relate to their life in Arabic.

5. Explain to them that one’s identity is related to the language and culture and that it’s important to preserve it.

What teachers can do:

1. Engage your students in cultural activities outside the school premises.

2. Encourage your students to be creative in Arabic.

3. Use new teaching methods that associate Arabic with being “cool”.

4. Discourage your students from writing Arabic using Latin letters and numbers.

What NGOs can do:

1. Talk, involve and address the youth in a language they can relate to.

2. Create a space where youth can express themselves.

3. Focus on linking creativity to revitalising the language.

4. Support youth initiatives to preserve the Arabic language.

We’d like to add one more to the list: SEND ‘EM OVER TO GLN! Our inspiring community of Arabic language enthusiasts is always looking for conversation partners. 

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1 Response to "Problematic: Arabs Aren’t Speaking Arabic Anymore"

  1. Hanan Bamerei

    Thank you so much for this article. It’s beneficial and helpful.

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