By Gaelle Hachem | Staff Writer
Three different languages–Arabic, French, and English–reverberate in Lebanon’s rich historical and cultural landscape, creating a unique symphony of linguistic diversity and richness. In recent years, there has been a significant trend among parents in Lebanon to prioritize foreign languages, such as French and English, while raising their children. Teenagers and young adults have also been actively participating in this shift by frequently using these languages in their daily lives, whether they are communicating with one another, listening to music, or watching movies. The rise of multilingualism, especially within the new generation, has resulted in a growing concern that it might present a potential threat to our mother tongue language, Arabic, and raises multiple questions:
Why is preserving our native language important?
Many of us tend to look at languages simply as a means of communication or as a set of complicated grammatical rules that we had to learn in school; however, a language is much more than that! Our native language is a clear reflection of who we are, represents the land where we come from, and sheds light on our traditions and the values we hold dear. The way we view the world and perceive it is shaped by communicating in our mother tongue language, which allows us to tightly connect to our roots and culture while growing a deeper sense of belonging within us. Therefore, it is safe to say that Arabic is closely linked to our Lebanese culture and a key component of our identity! However, language loss is a serious issue that must be prevented. As we slowly shift away from Arabic, we are at risk of losing our language, and consequently losing a significant part of our culture. By preserving and nurturing Arabic, our traditions and heritage can remain alive within our hearts and minds. It also helps us strengthen the ties that bind us, citizens, all together: even though we may come from different backgrounds, our linguistic unity will enable us to communicate and appreciate everyone’s contribution to our small country’s great diversity, ultimately leading to a more harmonious community!
Why should we embrace and encourage multilingualism?
While preserving our mother tongue is without any doubt extremely important, the power and value of multilingualism should not be underestimated. Lebanon is a diverse country in all aspects, including languages, with Arabic, English, and French being the dominant ones. In fact, Arabic is regarded as one of the most difficult languages to learn (you will need around 2200 hours to become fluent!), English is the universal language spoken by more than 1.5 billion people, and French shares many similarities with other languages like Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese that belong to the Romance Language family. With that being said, we are indeed lucky to be exposed to all these different languages from such an early age and we should insist on making the most out of this powerful and valuable asset we are equipped with! Various studies and research have shown that being a polyglot, which is a person who knows and is able to use several languages, comes with multiple advantages: on a personal level, it improves our memory, enhances our cognitive abilities, and boosts our creativity. On a professional level, being proficient in multiple languages can enhance your CV, thus making you stand out among the pool of applicants for a certain position, providing you with more job opportunities within the country and even abroad. On a global level, it positively impacts communication and collaboration across different cultures, resulting in a more interconnected world in which we all are global citizens!
What is the solution?
I believe that the key lies in finding a delicate and balanced middle ground between preserving our native language and embracing the richness of multilingualism and its numerous benefits.
Parents can play a primary role in this harmonious balance: while teaching children foreign languages is remarkable and is very beneficial for them in the long run, it remains equally important to grow within them a deep appreciation for their mother tongue, as it brings them closer to their culture. Additionally, educational institutions, especially bilingual and trilingual ones, can also play a pivotal role in shaping our language attitudes. By designing a curriculum where Arabic and foreign languages are taught together, we can contribute to the creation of a positive environment where languages are not only learned but also lived and celebrated!
To conclude, in Lebanon, the coexistence of multiple languages is a testament to the country’s history and diversity. The inclination towards foreign languages is understandable and totally expected in a globalized world, however, it should not be used as an excuse to forget our native one. It is crucial to strike a balance that preserves the mother tongue and the identity and culture of our nation. Multilingualism needs to be viewed as an opportunity for personal and global growth instead of a threat.
Sources:
https://www.rocketlanguages.com/arabic/learn/how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-arabic
https://thelanguagedoctors.org/what-percent-of-people-speak-english-exploring-the-global-impact-of-the-english-language/