The Development of Young Children’s Arabic Language and Literacy in the United Arab Emirates

Early Language Education in the United Arab Emirates

“…Within a context of diglossia with standard and nonstandard forms differing significantly, early exposure to standard forms is very important. However, a study by Carroll, Al Kahwaji, and Litz (2017) found that in Emirati homes, parents naturally and exclusively use local dialect, and there is very little exposure to standard Arabic, confirming similar findings reported by Tibi, Johsi, and McLeod (2013), and Tibi and McLeod (2014).…”

“…However, as Tibi and McLeod (2014) note, most home helpers speak nonstandard forms of Arabic and English, neither of which is their primary language, and therefore, Emirati children in the UAE spend a lot of time exposed to nonstandard forms in both their first and second language. In a study of the linguistic effects of maids on early language development by Roumani (2005), it was concluded that children's language development is hampered by the presence of such home helpers.…”

Saudi College Students’ Home Reading Practice Environment

“…Despite numerous studies on the home or family literacy environment in Western cultures, there are few studies that have examined the Arab family reading practice (Alshaboul, 2004). Subsequently, there limited information about the Arab home reading environment (Tibi & McLeod, 2014). A limitation not only documented by Arab researchers, but also noticed by Western researchers who sought to examine Third World Literacy (Callaway, 2012;Dixon & Wu, 2014;Williams, 2006).…”