Social media crowding out Arabic learning in UAE, study warns

A study conducted by researchers at Zayed University has revealed how the increasing presence of English-language media and English-speaking nannies is shifting the default language in Emirati households from Arabic to English. The research, which followed 20 Emirati families with at least one Emirati parent, found that exposure to English through platforms like YouTube, digital learning tools, and English-speaking caregivers is gradually altering the linguistic landscape of homes in the United Arab Emirates. Over the course of a year, the researchers observed how the integration of English into daily life, through entertainment, education, and domestic care, was influencing young children’s language acquisition. One parent noted that hiring English-speaking nannies had “gradually shifted the household’s linguistic centre of gravity towards English.” Similarly, the researchers documented how children were increasingly using English in informal settings due to the widespread availability of English-language content. They described this phenomenon as contributing to the symbolic dominance of English within the household. The study, titled From home to policy: Strengthening Arabic through intentional practices in Emirati early childhoods, highlights broader concerns about declining Arabic proficiency among children in the UAE. Researchers emphasized that while Arabic content exists on digital platforms, English materials are often perceived as more engaging. Dr. Fatma Said, one of the lead authors, pointed out that the appeal of English-language resources plays a key role in shaping children’s language preferences. This trend is part of a larger discussion about language preservation in the region. Muhamed Al Khalil, a professor of Arabic at NYU Abu Dhabi, noted that the challenge of maintaining native language fluency is not unique to the UAE or the Arab world. He explained that global languages, particularly English, are increasingly dominating educational systems, scientific discourse, and media consumption. In the UAE, this dynamic is exacerbated by the country’s multicultural environment, where English often serves as a common language among diverse communities. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, he argued, further contribute to the marginalization of Arabic by promoting English-based communication and cultural norms. Despite these challenges, the researchers stressed that Arabic can still be preserved through deliberate parental efforts. Dr. Said recommended that parents engage with their children in Arabic during emotionally significant or instructional moments, as these interactions tend to be more memorable. She also suggested incorporating Arabic content into daily routines, such as using the language exclusively during meals or encouraging interaction with Arabic-language videos under adult supervision. The study underscores the critical role of the family in sustaining Arabic language use. Al Khalil echoed this sentiment, stating that the “fortress for Arabic is the family”, with parents and grandparents playing a vital role in ensuring children maintain a working knowledge of the language. He warned that without such efforts, Arabic risks becoming a heritage language rather than a functional one, spoken primarily in specific contexts like religious instruction or familial traditions. To address these issues, the researchers proposed practical strategies for parents, including setting clear rules around language use at home and leveraging digital tools to enhance Arabic learning. These recommendations aim to empower families to create environments where Arabic remains a central part of children’s lives, even amid growing exposure to English. As the debate over language preservation continues, the findings of this study offer valuable insights into the complex interplay between media, caregiving, and linguistic identity in modern Emirati households.