Suchergebnisse

This study presents the policy of Arabization in Tunisia as an example of language planning which has been used to pursue and maintain power. It argues that Arabization has been promoted only to the extent that it served the interests of the politico-economic ruling elite. After reviewing the relevant literature, the study evaluates the language situation in Tunisia in terms of the degree of implementation of Arabization in three domains: 1) education; 2) government administration; 3) the media and general use. The study shows that the official authorities have been quite inconsistent in promoting Arabization, and that they have encouraged bilingualism (Arabic and French) and biculturalism (Arab-Islamic and Western European, mainly French) much more consistently. In this light, the study analyzes the attitudes and objectives of the authorities, who represent the influential elites, as they interact with other competing elites in order to maintain power.

The controversy over the selection of a national language & the course of Arabization in postcolonial Algeria is examined. The independence movement that originated under the leadership of Abd al-Qadir & concluded with the formal declaration of separation in July 1962 is documented. It is suggested that early educational policies that instituted the teaching of Arabic in French elementary schools commenced the Arabization process; however, the paucity of qualified Arabic instructors delayed the realization of change. It is noted that Arabization resembled a socialist nationalist movement rather than focusing on the promulgation of religious or cultural ideology. An analysis of Kateb Yacine's Le Polygone Etoile ([The Polygon Star] 1966) reveals the linguistic alienation experienced by many Algerians; nonetheless, Yacine's preference for writing in a French dialect confounded attempts to establish an Algerian literary tradition. The novels of Assia Djebar are explored to demonstrate the problematic of being both Algerian & female in a patriarchal postcolonial Algeria. It is concluded that Algerian intellectuals viewed the process of Arabization as a reaffirmation of Arabo-Islamic heritage, rather than an absolute denial of their French past. J. W. Parker

THERE IS NO PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST EVEN IF THERE ARE NO WARS, SAVE FOR LEBANON. THE COUNTRY IS A MICROCOSM OF ALL WARS WAGED EVERYWHERE ELSE. THIS ARTICLE EXPLORES THE HOPE FOR PEACE WHICH LIES IN MULTIPLE NEGOTIATIONS AMONG CONCERNED LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL PARTIES. HISTORY SINCE 1948 IS OFFERED IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS AT ISSUE. THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF ARABIZATION ARE EXPLORED AS WELL AS ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED IN A COMPREHENSIVE RESOLUTION ON PEACE IN LEBANON.

Census & government survey data from major Persian Gulf states -- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, & Kuwait -- are used to investigate the political & economic implications of demographic change in the region. After briefly outlining the composition of the work force, it is suggested that the Gulf states are characterized by low participation by nationals & a substantial dependence on foreign workers. It is argued that the lack of clearly defined work force localization policies, the ability of employers to reduce labor costs by contracting non-nationals, decreased income in the private sector, & a civil service system that minimizes competition have hindered efforts to localize the work force. While Gulf governments have attempted increased "Arabization" of the Gulf labor market -- hiring non-national Arabs -- this policy has caused economic & political problems: conservative governments must contend with potentially radical Arab populations, & Arab migrants bring dependents, thus increasing social costs. Future Gulf trends include a decrease in the demand for unskilled & semiskilled workers & an increased need for professional & higher skilled workers for service & maintenance sectors. It is suggested that these trends will result in a high rate of retention of foreign labor, accompanied by a decline in immigrant work flows & heightened mobility of non-nationals within the individual Gulf states. 4 Tables. L. Baker