A Blog by the Editor of The Middle East Journal

Putting Middle Eastern Events in Cultural and Historical Context

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Return of the Death of Arabic, Part 97 (B)(VII)

I've posted several times here about the frequent expressions of concern that the Arabic language is in danger of being wiped out by declining use and skill, and growing dependence on other languages, usually French and English. Often these laments are written in French or English, but Arabic literacy is also higher than it was a few generations ago. An earlier roundup can be found here, and Qifa Nabki has pointed out that the great lexicographer Ibn Manzur was expressing similar views in the 12th century (though I'm guessing he was worried about Turkish and Persian).

Anyway, the latest cause for alarm: concern that the Emirates does not have enough Emirati nursery staff to get the kids started out right.
 
Arabic: still dying after all these years.

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