Globalization can be defined as the “creation of a new world economic system” and can result in the suppression of the native culture and imperialistic attitudes. Though change is inevitable, due to globalization, there is a need for educational systems to integrate the Arabic language in the education system among the Arab nations as abandoning a native language can have poor consequences on future generations.
Globalization has resulted in endangering of native languages, like Arabic. Thus the purpose of this study is highlighting the challenges of globalization on the Arabic language by examining the effects of globalization on Arabic, especially the influence being played by the English language. Thus, the aim of this study is examining the effects of globalization on Arabic, especially the influence played by the English language.
The Arabic language is the language of the Semites. Nowadays, it is rated among the fastest growing languages in the world and spoken by 256 million people. It is the language of identity for the Arabs as it is inseparable from religion/culture. Also, it is a language in which the Quran was written. There are two main varieties of Arabic, which include classical and standard Arabic. It is worth stressing these varieties are identical.
Globalization advocates for the integration of the whole world while calling for the removal of cultural barriers. However, it can lead to undermining of an existing socio-linguistic culture like Arabic while elevating another like English. It is also characterized by the imbalanced flow of the Western lifestyle and economic views headed towards the same direction.
Also, due to fear of persecution, discrimination, stereotyping, as well as unemployment, Arabic speakers have been forced to assimilate leading to the preference for the English language in the education system or Western culture. Finally, globalization affects the translation of the Arabic language, hence making the language less religious as intended as Arabs are adopting western culture.
Globalization is synonymous to Americanization as it was designed so as to impose American economic ideologies. This is significantly reflected in the imposing of English by Americans and allies as it is the language of obtaining loans from the international banking systems. The English language is “enormously important language” in the implementation of those policies.
The Effects of Arabic on Education:
It has led to the Importation of the Anglo-American Model, which is shaped by managerial styles and neoliberal economic reforms. It is characterized by use of English and “open society.”
Poor performance, due to Weak Education System. The Arab world has been associated with the world’s worst performing system, due to the weak education system.
Unemployment, due to poor teaching methods or curriculum. The following fact does not favor economic opportunities or the generation of skills.
Erosion of culture: anative language usually shapes a person’s cultural identity. British imperialism considered other native cultures or languages inferior to that of the Britons. The imported education model, which is symbolized by the use of English and “open society,” has led to erosion of culture and negatively affected language, specifically Arabic. The influence has been brought by the “imported facilitators” who have influenced students dressing.
Social Marginalization: The widespread use of Arabic in daily life is under constant attack as it has led to social marginalization, due to the wide spread connotation of Arabic with terrorism, which has led to repression of the use of the Arabic language by its users.
The Solutions include:
Getting rid of cultural and linguistic dependency bystrengthening the linguistic nature of Arabic and sharpening its practical characteristics, which usually advocate for the assimilation of a new, technical and informal development.
- Proper Training of Teachers on vocational and technical skills.
- Legislation of the Arabic Language by central governments.
- Providing funds for education so as to enable research and innovations.
- Advocating for English as the second language after Arabic.
Arabic is the “DNA” of many nations. It still remains among the top most spoken and used languages in the world. Hence, it is important to retain it as Arabic is both a means of communication and form of identity for the Arabs. Therefore, there is a need to develop “adaptable sociological organism” as globalization is inevitable.
Though globalization will always positively or negatively impact the society, it is inevitable. For instance, it has led to suppression of the Arabic Language. Arabic can be used as instruction language in all subjects. It is worth stressing that there is a need to revise the existing curriculum, proper training of teachers, government funding, and use of English as the second language of instructions.
