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Perspectives on Arabic Linguistics XXXV: Papers from the Annual Symposium on Arabic Linguistics, Washington, D.C., 2022
Edited by Ahmad Alqassas
[Studies in Arabic Linguistics 14] 2025
► pp. 202–218

Chapter 9
Coloniality and patterns of scholarly linguistic investigations in Arabic language acquisition studies

A self-reflective journey

 | Long Island UniversityBrooklyn
The concept of decoloniality has gained increasing attention, as it involves an ongoing process of identifying and dismantling power structures and knowledge dominations rooted in colonial legacies within the modern world system. This process has been applied to various aspects of knowledge production, including specific fields of study such as linguistics, neuroscience, and cognitive sciences.
However, there is a noticeable gap in the literature when it comes to applying decolonial perspectives to the study of Arabic language acquisition. This paper aims to fill that void by reflecting on how coloniality influences personal investigations into language acquisition. The reflection illustrates how coloniality permeates all stages of knowledge production, from the formulation of research questions to data collection, analysis, theoretical frameworks, and interpretation.
The key points raised in this reflection underscore the critical need for embracing decoloniality in Arabic linguistic studies. Such an approach can propel us beyond conventional monolingual normative frameworks of inquiry and open up innovative avenues for inquiry. It can transform Arabic acquisition scholarship, moving from prescriptive perspective to informative one that empowers idiolectic inquiry viewed from the internal perspective of the individual and separated from the external perspective of the society.
The paper calls upon scholars in Arabic acquisition studies to embark on a journey of self-refection, to critically examine their positionality, and to actively contribute to social justice through their professional work. By adopting decolonial perspectives, scholars can work towards a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable future for the study of Arabic language acquisition.
Keywords:
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Embracing decoloniality in research engagement: Self-reflective journey
    • Show case I: The study of language development in Palestinian speaking children living in their homeland
    • Show case II: The study of language development in Arabic speaking children living in diaspora spaces
  • 3.Conclusion
  • Author queries
  • Acknowledgments
  • References
  • Appendix
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