Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/10
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Item Restricted Saudi Cosmopolitan Transnational Parents’ Ideologies, Language Policy, and their Children’s Struggle with Homeland Integration(University of Arizona, 2024) Alshuhri ,Hasan; Mary Carol CombsThis study explored the language ideologies of Saudi cosmopolitan parents living in Western countries, their family language policies, and their children's reintegration into Saudi society. I used a qualitative research design to investigate the process of family language policies and practices and the underlying social, cultural, and religious ideologies. Drawing on the interviews with four Saudi families, and a survey with forty two Saudi parents, the research investigated how parents perceive and prioritize the use of Arabic and English within their households. It also examined the strategies they employ to maintain Arabic proficiency and cultural ties amidst a predominantly English-speaking environment. The findings revealed a complex interplay between parental aspirations, social pressures, and the linguistic realities faced by their children. The study highlighted the challenges and opportunities in balancing bilingualism by the families and the strategies they used to ease their reintegration into the Saudi homeland. This research contributed to a deeper understanding of the role of language in the transnational experiences of Saudi families and provided insights for educators and policymakers supporting these communities.9 0Item Restricted Exploring the Experience of Arab Mothers Raising Children in South Texas: Maintaining Arabic Heritage Language and Cultural Identity(Texas A&M University - Kingsville, 2024-08-09) Almuhlafi, Amal; Guzman, Norma A.In the United States, language maintenance among minority populations often faced significant challenges, particularly in linguistically and culturally diverse environments like South Texas. This qualitative study explored the experiences of Arab mothers in South Texas as they endeavored to maintain the Arabic language and Arab culture within their families. Utilizing semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom, this research delved into the personal efforts, strategies, and challenges faced by these mothers in transmitting their heritage language and cultural values to their children. Despite the dominance of English and the absence of substantial institutional support, these mothers demonstrated remarkable dedication and ingenuity in fostering an environment conducive to language and cultural retention. The findings highlighted the central role of the home setting and religious practices in language maintenance, and the profound impact of personal commitment and community support in overcoming the multicultural challenges (Fishman, 2001). This study contributed to the understanding of language maintenance in minority communities and underscored the importance of family dynamics and cultural practices in the intergenerational transmission of minority languages.33 0