Journal Article

Navigating Language, Faith, and Identity: A Case Study of Language Policies in Indian Transnational Families in Saudi Arabia

Alasmari, Muhammad, Ahmed, Rashad, Shamim, Amna, Al-Gamdi, Nief Aied

2026

Overview

This study investigates the family language policies (FLPs) of two North Indian Muslim families residing in Saudi Arabia, focusing on how they navigate multilingualism to balance cultural heritage, religious practices, and sociolinguistic adaptation. Using Spolsky’s FLP framework and a qualitative case study approach, the research examines the dynamic roles of Urdu, Arabic, and English in these households. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers and children to explore language ideologies, practices, and management strategies. The findings reveal that Urdu serves as a cornerstone of cultural identity, while Arabic is pivotal for religious education and social integration. English plays a supplementary role as a tool for academic and professional aspirations. Despite shared goals, the families adopt distinct approaches: one emphasizes heritage preservation and liturgical Arabic, while the other integrates Arabic more comprehensively alongside Urdu. These insights contribute to FLP scholarship by highlighting the intersection of language, faith, and identity in transnational families in non-western context, offering practical implications for educators and policymakers working with multilingual communities.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Adaptation / Arabic language / Aspiration / Case studies / Cultural heritage / Cultural identity / Education / English language / Families & family life / Family / Family Language Policy (FLP) / Host country / Households / Indian Muslim families / Language acquisition / Language ideologies / Language policy / Linguistics / Methods / Mothers / Multilingualism / Native languages / Occupational aspiration / Policy making / Preservation / Religion / Religious aspects / Religious behavior / Religious education / religious practices / Social integration / sociolinguistic adaptation / Sociolinguistics / Spirituality / Strategic planning (Business) / Teachers / Transnationalism / Urdu language