Journal Article

Exploring the Inner Circle Attitudes of Endangered Languages: A Case Study of the Faifi Language

Mobarak Alhazmi, Laila

2024

Overview

This study is the first to explore language attitudes of the endangered Faifi language in SA. Understanding these attitudes is crucial for future language revitalization efforts. Employing a conceptual framework from LA research, data were collected via an online Arabic questionnaire with a sample of 258 participants. This paper aims to explore the indigenous people’s language attitudes, frequency of language use, and the influence of social backgrounds. Data were analyzed using factor analysis and multiple regression. Three key findings emerged: Firstly, a two-dimensional model encompassing status and dynamism dimensions was identified, offering new insights into LAs. Notably, the trait “educated” was associated with dynamism rather than the typical association with the status dimension, which can be attributed to educational factors related to the Faifi language’s lack of formal instruction in schools. Secondly, the reported use of the Faifi language by its speakers indicated a positive trend. Lastly, age was found to be the only significant sociodemographic variable, with older participants exhibiting more positive attitudes compared to younger participants. In summary, this research contributes fresh perspectives on the dimensions of language attitudes, particularly by highlighting the deviation of the trait “educated” from its customary position within the status dimension. Additionally, the study emphasizes the salience of age as a factor. The paper recommends macro and micro language policies; macro language policy should consider integrating the language into the educational system, while micro language policy should originate from the indigenous community itself, initiating initiatives to further support language use among young speakers. Plain language summary Understanding attitudes towards endangered languages: A case study of the Faifi language This study is the first of its kind to explore what people think about the endangered Faifi language in Saudi Arabia. Previous research focused on how the language is spoken, but not much attention has been given to people’s opinions about it. Understanding these opinions is important for efforts to revive the language in the future. To gather data, an online survey was conducted in Arabic with 258 participants. This research finds out what indigenous people think about the language, how often they use it, and how their social backgrounds influence their views. The data was using some statistical techniques and three main findings were revealed. First, the research reveals that people’s opinions about the language can be described in two ways: how important they think it is and how much they think it can change and adapt. This provides new insights into language attitudes. Surprisingly, being “educated” was associated with how much the language can change, rather than how important it is. This might be because the Faifi language isn’t taught in schools, which affects people’s views. Second, the research finds that people who speak the Faifi language reported using it more often, which is a positive sign. Lastly, age was emerged as the only significant factor that influenced people’s opinions. Older participants had more positive attitudes compared to younger participants. In summary, this research gives us new perspectives on language attitudes, especially by showing how the trait “educated” can be different from what we usually expect. It also emphasizes the importance of age. Based on the findings, I recommend both macro and micro language policies. Macro policies should focus on including the language in schools for indigenous people, while micro policies should come from the community itself, taking actions to support the language, especially among young speakers.

• Publisher: SAGE Publications,SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC,SAGE Publishing
• Subject: Age / Arabic language / Attitudes / Case studies / Change agents / Data / Education policy / Endangered / Endangered languages / Factor analysis / Frame analysis / Indigenous languages / Indigenous peoples / Indigenous Populations / Language attitudes / Language Maintenance / Language Planning / Language policy / Language revitalization / Language shift / Language usage / Languages / Native peoples / Opinions / Positive Attitudes / Research design / Salience / School Policy / Schools / Semitic Languages / Sociodemographics / Teaching / Understanding