Language shapes the very fabric of our identity, perceptions, and day-to-day experiences, especially for individuals straddling cultures. A recent exploration of how English is entwined with the dreams and thoughts of Arabic-speaking youth reveals layers of complexity around language and identity.
Since moving to Italy, one writer faced the challenge of transitioning between languages. "Ever since I came to Italy, my Arabic language began to gradually disappear from my dreams," they noted, prompting reflections on how the offspring of migrants navigate multilingual contexts. To explore this phenomenon, they posed the question to Ziyad Al-Omari, 16, the son of their sister who lives in the United States. Ziyad responded, "My dreams are in a mix of languages; when you—meaning my family—appear, I speak to you in Arabic, and when my school friends appear, I speak to them in English." This sparked broader questioning about language usage across dreams, posing the question: What language do children of migrants dream in?
To explore this topic more systematically, the writer conducted a survey involving 36 participants aged 8 to 25, classified by age groups. Results revealed intriguing insights: 72.22% lived in Arab countries but were educated at institutions emphasizing English. Interestingly, half of the respondents, 18 participants, indicated they only dreamt in English, 11 of whom were from Arab nations, particularly the UAE and Jordan. Others articulated their perceptions of language intertwined with geographical spaces—dreaming of home triggered Arabic, whereas dreams set abroad elicited English.
Shams al-Hindi, 15, shared, "There is geography in dreams. When I dream I’m back home, I speak Arabic; when I’m here—meaning Texas—I speak English." This sentiment encapsulates the phenomenon, highlighting how physical environment can dictate language choice even in subconscious states.
Language choice doesn’t stop at dreaming; it extends to thinking. The study found 50% of participants reported thinking primarily in English, followed by 22.22% who relied on Arabic. Layla Mohsen, 19, noted how her thought process shifted based on emotions: "When I'm angry, I find myself thinking in Arabic; meanwhile, I use English when I am calm and relaxed." Her perspective mirrors others, with diverse responses noting emotional connection to language. Daniel Samir, another 17-year-old, remarked, "If I am angry, I lean toward thinking in Arabic." The researchers discovered how language could serve as both emotional armor and expressive channel.
Preference for language also emerged strongly. Over half, 55.56%, preferred expressing themselves in English, linking it to alleviating discomfort. Lauren Farag, 20, highlighted this, stating, "I prefer to express my thoughts and feelings in English because it relieves my discomfort and any feelings of embarrassment." Multiple respondents echoed these sentiments, emphasizing English's role as more accessible for articulations of complex emotion.
The beauty of Arabic, referenced by 69.44% of respondents, demonstrated their respect and affection for their mother tongue. An 18-year-old Gazan living in Texas recalled, "When Arabic is spoken correctly, it makes me feel like I am in my homeland." This duality of fondness lingers—a recognition of Arabic’s depth contrasted by the transactional simplicity of English.
The exploration dove beyond mere preference, delving deep to expose the societal layers impacting these preferences. A sizable group, 27.78%, believed speaking English carries more societal weight, rooted largely to social structures favoring English, especially within private educational ecosystems. Aram Al-Awar, of Palestinian descent, stated, "The current structure gives English more value than Arabic, leading to parents enrolling their children at private institutions focused on English. This fosters class divisions tied to potential future earnings, exemplified by surveys indicating English proficiency significantly boosts income opportunities across the GCC region.
On another front, the language dynamic extends to the sociopolitical sphere, where the Russian Federation strategically deploys English-language narratives to influence perceptions of the West. The Center for Countering Disinformation unveiled these tactics, showcasing Kremlin propaganda spread through social media platforms. Techniques identified include humor, manipulative imagery, and attempts to frame the political discourse surrounding Ukraine negatively. The report starkly highlighted disinformation as not just a tool of manipulation but as a complex weapon to destabilize narratives globally.
This manipulation mirrors social media’s immense power, transforming communication landscapes and public discourse. The U.S., for example, has faced increasing challenges posed by Russian strategies, emphasizing the urgent need for counter-disinformation efforts—heightened collaboration with international partners is key to safeguarding democratic narratives.
Conversely, English serves as the language of business and investment, with its value illustrated through notable financial maneuvers. The Winklevoss twins, notorious for their association with Facebook, made headlines as they purchased stakes in Real Bedford FC. This six-year investment highlights the trend of transforming lower division English clubs through financial backing from those versed in global narratives shaped by English. The team's colorful name and goal to rise up the league encapsulate the essence of modern sports and the cultural narrative attached to English soccer.
From the dreams of Arabic-speaking youth to socio-political propaganda, the analysis of English reveals both the language's favorable and unfavorable impacts across various global platforms. Whether it is fostering cultural identity, dictation, current events perception, or economic aspirations, English persists as both complement and competitor to mother languages, shaping individual lives and societal landscapes alike.