ARABIC AND THE LOST IDENTITY: THE PROBLEM OF SYMBOLIC PRIDE AND THE ABANDONMENT OF PRACTICE IN THE AGE OF GLOBALIZATION

Abstract

This research seeks to address a fundamental problem currently facing the Arab world: the gap between the positive emotional stance towards the Arabic language as a vessel of identity and belonging, and the tangible reality of its abandonment in daily communication, replaced by colloquial dialects or foreign languages. The research begins with the premise that pride in Arabic without speaking it represents a genuine identity crisis, reflecting a psychological and cultural deficit. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the research examines the historical roots of the problem, represented by colonial policies, and then analyzes its contemporary manifestations in the educational system, the dominance of colloquial dialects, and the weakness of digital content. It concludes that restoring lost identity begins with restoring the Arabic language as a living language for life, not merely a heritage celebrated on special occasions.