ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to provide a critical survey of research on language attitudes in the Arab world. The chapter addresses the rich and complex language situation in the Arab world where speakers’ repertoires may include not only different varieties of Arabic, but also local ethnic languages, English, and French. In general, research suggests that Arabs have a positive attitude towards FusHa; they revere it as the language of the Holy Qur’an and classic literature, and admire it for its richness and beauty. However, attitudes to FusHa, which is rarely distinguished from Standard Arabic (SA) by the non-specialist, are complex. Despite the fact that it is highly esteemed, many acknowledge its difficulty for them. Furthermore, while they may prefer the vernaculars and even English and French for everyday communication and self-expression, they still associate SA with their identities as Arabs. Attitudes towards the vernaculars are also varied. Traditionally, they have been regarded as corrupt forms of SA, and thus looked upon with disdain. Recent research on attitudes towards Arabic vernaculars, however, suggests that they are now regarded in a more positive light than in the past, and acknowledged as varieties to be used in certain modes of writing. This change in attitude towards the vernaculars is partly due to the recent widespread use of the vernaculars in computer-mediated communication and written communication on social media. Similarly, research findings reveal that attitudes towards code-switching between varieties of Arabic, and between Arabic and English or French are more positive than those reported in earlier studies, reflecting greater acceptance of this language practice. The chapter also points to research reflecting the positive attitude of ethnic minorities towards their local ethnic languages, Berber, Nubian, and Kurdish, and their attempts to maintain these ethnic languages as markers of their identities.
