As expatriates make up the majority of the population of the UAE, the demographics are thoroughly reflected in the way the expatriate culture and language has evolved. Words coming from vastly different languages like Hindi, Tagalog and English are understood by the multicultural population of the country. Phrases combining Hindi and Arabic are often heard in colloquial conversations.
Aisha Al Janahi, an Emirati social media specialist, thinks that it’s a positive experience to be exposed to many different languages.
She said: “It only turns negative when people let it [English] encompass their lives. Mothers speak to their children in English all the time and neglect Arabic. People are ignoring the beauty of pure Arabic.”
She noted that a new version of the language has emerged, dubbed ‘Arablish’. Speakers tend to codeswitch between the two languages. She said that there needs to be a balance and separation between speaking each one.
— The writer is an intern with Gulf News.
