The Impact of Global English on Cultural Identities in the United Arab Emirates: Wanted not Welcome

This book explores the complexities of the cultural and linguistic landscape of the United Arab Emirates, focusing on the dynamics between English and Arabic in the era of superdiversity. It employs a qualitative phenomenological approach to analyze data from questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews with Emirati students, schoolteachers, and expatriate university teachers. Key issues include attitudes towards English, English Medium Instruction, and the impact of language tension on identities. The volume appeals to students and scholars interested in language and identity, language policy, multilingualism, translanguaging, and language in education.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of the cultural and linguistic landscape of the United Arab Emirates, unveiling the ever-evolving dynamics between English and Arabic in the era of superdiversity. Through a qualitative phenomenological approach, enriched with a wealth of data derived from questionnaires, focus groups, and in-depth interviews with Emirati students, schoolteachers, and expatriate university teachers, Hopkyns challenges the prevailing binary East-West paradigm, which often centers on the tension between English and Arabic usage in the UAE.

Emerging from the comprehensive analysis are key issues that shed light on the diverse attitudes towards English, particularly in the context of English Medium Instruction (EMI). The impact of this linguistic tension on individual identities is explored, as well as the unique ways in which the two languages are employed on a daily basis. This volume holds particular appeal to students and scholars engaged in the study of language and identity, language policy and planning, multilingualism, translanguaging, and language in education.

The book's rich insights and nuanced perspectives contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between culture, language, and identity in the UAE, offering valuable perspectives to both researchers and practitioners in the field. By exploring the nuances of language use and its impact on individuals and communities, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate the multilingual and multicultural landscape of the region.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032336749