The Status and Future of Arabic Use amid Colonial Languages in the Arab World in Times of Globalization and Advanced Technology: A Political and Sociolinguistic Approach

Abstract

This paper studies the languages and cultures that are commonly present in individual and collective practices of the Arab world, to understand the extent to which the identity and the linguistic approach in the region are affected by the historical and geographical context. It analyzes the status of Arabic and its future amid colonial languages, such as English and French, in the Arab world, specifically Morocco and Lebanon as case studies, in times of globalization and advanced technology. In a large and diversified arena, such as the Arab world, there is often a strong commitment and devotion to languages, such as Arabic, French, and English. Accordingly, this study further examines how Arabic can strengthen its practice and protect its status in an environment dominated by colonial languages. In this regard, the future of the Arabic language in the current ever-changing sociolinguistic context is subject to questioning and concerns for its official forthcoming evolution. Globalization, internet, social networks, digital technologies, and fast communication are no longer enabling linguistic authorities to provide a clear and accurate vision on the future of this language. Thus, addressing the question of languages in the future pushes researchers to consider and analyze the several linguistic strategies and policies implemented by the concerned authorities who are building and promoting an overall representation within and outside their original area.