Surprising Popularity of the Arabic Language Amongst American College Students
By: Joud Sleilaty / Arab America Contributing Writer
Intro
In recent decades, Arabic has emerged as one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, experiencing a notable surge in the United States. The number of individuals aged 5 and older who speak Arabic at home in the U.S. has witnessed a remarkable increase, soaring from 215,000 in 1980 to an impressive 1.4 million in 2021. This surge positions Arabic as the nation’s seventh-most common non-English language spoken at home, as reported by Pew Research Center (source: Pew Research Center).
However, the journey of Arabic in the United States has been marked by a historical reluctance to embrace the language. For the longest time, there was a prevailing sentiment steering individuals away from studying Arabic, with many failing to find tangible interest in the language, especially given the perceived lack of appeal in living in the Arab world and the preconceived notions they have on the region. This narrative, however, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, challenging stereotypes and witnessing a growing interest in Arabic studies from kindergartens to colleges across diverse settings (source: Al Jazeera).
Foreign Language Studies
Foreign language studies in the United States has experienced significant growth, with enrollment in language courses at colleges and universities increasing by 12.9% from 2002 to 2006 and an additional 6.6% from 2006 to 2009, according to the Modern Language Association. However, despite this overall growth, approximately nine out of ten American students do not pursue foreign language studies, and only 1% focus on “critical need languages” with implications for US national security (source: monitor.icef.com)
Arabic Studies
Arabic has emerged as one of the fastest-growing languages of foreign language study in the United States, witnessing remarkable growth and becoming the eighth most-studied language in America. Surveys conducted by the Modern Language Association reveal a significant surge in interest in studying Arabic, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001. The period from 2002 to 2009 experienced substantial growth in American student enrollment in Arabic language courses, with a notable 126.5% increase from 2002 to 2006 and an additional 46.3% from 2006 to 2009 (source: ICEF Monitor).
Why Arabic?
Students pursuing Arabic language studies cite diverse motivations, including academic interest, personal connections, and a belief that it will enhance their career prospects. Some people study Arabic for professional reasons or to get a government job, but some are just Americans open to other cultures (source: Al Jazeera)
The geopolitical landscape, marked by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, created a heightened demand for speakers of Arabic and other critical-need languages in federal agencies. To meet this demand, colleges and universities responded by establishing or expanding departments and programs focused on Islamic, Arabic, and Middle Eastern Studies. Federal funding played a crucial role in supporting these initiatives, resulting in the inauguration of language flagship programs.
Arabic’s significance extends beyond academic pursuits, as it became intricately linked to national security interests. Dr. Hezi Brosh, an associate professor of Arabic at the United States Naval Academy, emphasizes the pivotal role of the September 11 attacks as the second ‘Sputnik moment’ in recent American history, underscoring the importance of studying Arabic in various sectors.
Moreover, the emergence of booming economies in the Gulf, particularly in nations such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia (with its Vision 2030 initiative), and the United Arab Emirates, has fueled a new wave of interest in Arabic studies. As these regions present attractive opportunities for employment, individuals are drawn to mastering Arabic as a means to engage with these dynamic economies and contribute to their growth. The economic prospects in the Gulf have further enriched the motivations for learning Arabic, creating a bridge between language acquisition and the desire to participate in the economic development of these nations.
Conclusion
As Arabic studies continue to grow in the U.S., there is a recognition of the importance of immersion in the culture and society of the language for achieving fluency. Study abroad programs, often integral to Arabic majors in universities like Georgetown, play a crucial role in this process. The dramatic growth in Arabic studies is expected to influence outbound mobility to the MENA region, shaping the linguistic and cultural landscape in the years ahead.
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