Language, Ideology, and Identity in the Arab Context: A Thematic Critical Review of Yasir Suleiman’s The Arabic Language and National Identity and Arabic in the Fray
Bahasa, Ideologi, dan Identitas dalam Konteks Arab: Sebuah Tinjauan Kritis Tematik terhadap Buku Yasir Suleiman, The Arabic Language and National Identity dan Arabic in the Fray
Abstract
Purpose - This paper aims to examine Yasir Suleiman’s contributions to the field of Arabic sociolinguistics, with a particular focus on the intersections of language, ideology, and identity. It seeks to highlight how his theoretical perspectives provide a deeper understanding of the sociopolitical and cultural dimensions of Arabic language use.
Design/methodology/approach - The study employs a qualitative and descriptive-analytical approach, reviewing Suleiman’s major works and contextualizing them within broader debates in sociolinguistics. By integrating textual analysis with thematic interpretation, the paper maps out his key ideas on language, nationalism, and belonging in the Arab world.
Findings/results – The analysis reveals that Suleiman’s scholarship significantly advances the discussion of how Arabic functions not only as a means of communication but also as a symbol of collective identity and political ideology. His works demonstrate that language practices in the Arab context are deeply tied to issues of authority, cultural heritage, and power relations.
Originality/value - This paper contributes to sociolinguistic scholarship by synthesizing Yasir Suleiman’s theoretical perspectives, offering both an overview and critical reflection on his influence. It underscores the originality of his approach in bridging linguistics with cultural and political studies, making his insights valuable for scholars of language, identity, and Middle Eastern studies.
Paper type – Conceptual paper
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