Dubai Professor Advocates Family Language Policy to Preserve Arabic

 Dubai Professor Advocates Family Language Policy to Preserve Arabic

Reem Razem, an assistant professor at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Dubai, is urging families to adopt a “family language policy” (FLP) to bolster the use of Arabic among youth. According to Razem, small, consistent changes at home can spark a significant societal shift, strengthening the bond between generations and preserving cultural heritage.

A Personal Insight Sparked by the Pandemic

During the Covid-19 lockdown, Razem observed an unexpected trend: her three bilingual sons often switched to English when speaking with each other—even though family conversations were predominantly in Arabic. Curious about this shift, she conducted an autoethnography study that revealed her children used English for 30-40% of their casual exchanges, particularly around topics like online learning, technology, and entertainment.

Wider Concerns Among Expat Families

Expanding her research to the Jordanian expat community in the UAE, Razem discovered that many parents share her frustration over the gradual erosion of Arabic in daily communication. Social media groups filled with Jordanian mothers voiced concerns and sought advice on how to instill a love for Arabic, emphasizing the need to use the language at home and within the community.

The Power of a Bottom-Up Approach

Razem argues that preserving Arabic doesn’t require sweeping reforms but rather a conscious, daily commitment by families. By choosing to speak Arabic during everyday interactions and by incorporating culturally rich practices, parents can play a pivotal role in reversing the language shift. This “butterfly effect” of small decisions—like choosing Arabic at home or supporting Arabic educational activities—could have lasting, far-reaching benefits.

Expert Endorsements

Educators and experts echo Razem’s sentiments. Abhilasha Singh, Principal of Shining Star International in Abu Dhabi, stresses that encouraging Arabic through daily reading, conversation, and cultural events can reinforce linguistic identity. Moreover, experts like Dubai-based life coach Girish Hemnani highlight that fostering bilingualism not only enriches cultural understanding but also nurtures cognitive flexibility and emotional intelligence.

Final Thoughts

In an increasingly globalized world, maintaining Arabic as a core component of identity requires a grassroots effort. Through a family language policy, parents can ensure that Arabic remains a living, vibrant language—anchoring future generations to their heritage while embracing the benefits of bilingualism.

Stay tuned for more insights on cultural preservation and language education.