From home to policy: Strengthening Arabic through intentional practices in Emirati early childhoods

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Early Childhood Education in the Arabian Peninsula Contributions for Early Years Curriculum Transformation Through Research Reflection and Practice

Publication Date

6-19-2026

Abstract

The home plays a central role in shaping children’s early language development and cultural identity. In the linguistically diverse context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this role is especially significant because while Arabic, the official language, is a marker of national and religious identity, English is increasingly dominating in education, media, and social life. This bilingual environment creates both opportunities and challenges for Arabic language learning, even during early childhood. Despite its cultural and ideological importance, Arabic is increasingly under pressure, and research on how home environments influence its development remains limited. This study addresses that gap through a year-long ethnographic investigation of twenty Emirati families raising preschool-aged children bilingually. Data from field notes and interviews with parents and caregivers reveal that children with greater exposure to cultural and religious practices, who engage in Arabic storytelling and learn to read the Qur’an, show stronger comprehension and use of Arabic. Yet, as children enter kindergarten or begin consuming media content, whether online or on television, the dominance of English becomes pronounced, often disrupting parents’ intentional efforts to nurture Arabic language use at home. The findings reinforce the foundational role of the home and advocate for stronger alignment between home and early education through clear policies. For Arabic to thrive, early learning must build on culturally embedded home practices, ensuring continuity and sustained engagement between families and schools.

ISBN

[9781041066606, 9781041066620, 9781003636496]

Publisher

Routledge

First Page

105

Last Page

122

Disciplines

Education | Linguistics

Keywords

Arabic (0.48) | Nature versus nurture (0.47) | Public relations (0.47) | Context (archaeology) (0.46) | Ethnography (0.45) | Sociology (0.43) | Framing (construction) (0.42) | Political science (0.41) | Ethnic group (0.4) | Ideology (0.39) | Storytelling (0.38) | Comprehension (0.38) | Cultural diversity (0.36) | Dominance (genetics) (0.36) | Immigration (0.33) | Gender studies (0.3) | Psychology (0.3) | First language (0.29) | Language acquisition (0.28) | Cultural competence (0.28) | Economic growth (0.27) | Field (mathematics) (0.27) | Limited English proficiency (0.27) | Pedagogy (0.26) | Interpersonal communication (0.26) | Language barrier (0.26) | Mainstream (0.26) | Semitic languages (0.25)

Scopus ID

105045073346

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

Link to Full Text

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