سياسة التعريب في سوريا Arabization Policy in Syria

Abstract

This study aimed to explain the dimensions of Arabization within Syria’s language policy since the establishment of the modern state. It examined the Syrian state's language policy towards the Arabic language and the effective steps taken under this policy within governmental language planning. Additionally, it explored the Arabization policies adopted by Syrian governments towards other local languages. The study employed a historical descriptive approach, gathering information related to the language policies of Syrian governments from various historical sources, including history and contemporary political books, academic articles, and journalistic reports. It also described these policies and the role of Arabization within them. The study concluded that successive Syrian governments from 1918 to 2024 adopted "Arabization" as a cornerstone policy in their language policies. Through Arabization, these governments marginalized the linguistic rights of other local languages, denying them educational, media, or governmental rights to use their mother tongues. They also implemented language assimilation policies towards non-Arabic languages. Conversely, language policy and planning focused on preserving and developing Arabic, achieving relative success in advancing the language. However, these policies require more serious efforts in addressing and implementing them. The study recommended enacting laws to ensure the linguistic rights of various linguistic groups in Syria and developing more serious policies to support Arabic, preserving it and aligning it with contemporary demands.