A Linguistic Revolution: The Role of Arabic in Nation-Building in the Middle East and North Africa

Our traditional model of linguistic nation-building comes from Europe, where dynastic rule gave way to nations founded upon cultural identities. Tongues once seen as inferior rose to the forefront of political discourse and... [ view full abstract ]

Our traditional model of linguistic nation-building comes from Europe, where dynastic rule gave way to nations founded upon cultural identities. Tongues once seen as inferior rose to the forefront of political discourse and language became a central aspect of national identity. The Arab World, however, found a different path towards nationality. Breaking free from the influence of the Ottoman Empire and imperial influences, new Arab nations relied on standardized forms of Arabic to create their new identities. Arabic, an archaic language steeped in religion and dynasty, represented a markedly different trend from Europe. My research ventures to explain exactly why there was such an emphasis on the use of Standard Arabic in the post-colonial Arab World. Citing the examples of Syria and French-Speaking North Africa, I have focused on what factors led fledgling governments to encourage the formalization and implementation of Arabic and how that allowed these countries to assert their newfound independence to the global community.