Fluency in Arabic is good for Emiratis’ sense of well-being, research finds

Emirati women who embrace their national identity tend to live happier, healthier lives, research has suggested.

The study showed that women who spoke Arabic well and enjoyed the UAE’s symbols of identity reported greater well-being than those who aligned themselves more strongly with western culture.

The results back a growing body of evidence indicating that those who feel they are part of strong social networks and have a secure sense of their own group will feel the benefits.

On UN Arabic Language Day, academics said the findings highlighted the importance of preserving Emirati culture, especially high levels of fluency in Arabic, despite social and demographic change in the country.

“Our identities – whether it’s as a member of the male group, the Muslim group, the Emirati group – if they are positive we value them and we feel a sense of belonging,” said Justin Thomas, a professor at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, which conducted the research.

“That connection to other people is really important. It really does help us stay well.”

The study involved 210 women aged between 19 and 42 who are enrolled in health science courses at UAE colleges.

Respondents were asked to report their own fluency in Arabic and English, and take a test to gauge their emotional reaction to Emirati images and North American symbols, such as flags, well-known brands and landmarks.

Data showed that 13.5 per cent of respondents reported that their English skills were at least at par with their Arabic.

Researchers also found that 113 respondents had a preference for the American images, compared with 94 for those associated with the UAE.

Groups who had higher proficiency in Arabic, and those who had a preference for the Emirati symbols, reported higher levels of well-being in a psychological test approved by the World Health Organisation.

“Emiratis are a minority population,” said Prof Thomas, who also writes a weekly column for The National. “Often, you find that in other places minorities will become assimilated into other groups, and lose their sense of identity. That can sometimes be associated with problems.

“It is a very different situation here as the minority group is well protected from that and have a high social-economic status. But it does show the importance of having a positive image and evaluation of the group you belong to.”

The research findings may help to shape policies on prevention and treatment of mental illness, Prof Thomas said.

They could also be of interest to those forming education policy as declining levels of Arabic fluency among younger Emiratis becomes a concern.

“Part of Emirati identity is speaking Arabic,” Prof Thomas said. “But our data shows there are some Emiratis whose Arabic is close to non-existent because of their educational experiences.

“That was quite rare, about six per cent of the sample. But they certainly do seem to be lower down on the well-being scale. If someone’s talking and you don’t understand what they’re saying, you start to feel that sense of ‘I don’t belong’, and people maybe treat you differently.”

Ian Grey, an associate professor at the university and co-author of the paper, said the findings were in line with research that suggested social identity was a powerful force for well-being.

“Strengthening a sense of belonging is protective and it promotes well-being,” Mr Grey said. “That could be something as simple as a book club or netball team.”

The UAE has introduced initiatives to preserve a strong sense of Emirati culture and heritage during high levels of immigration. But concern has been raised over a lack of focus on Arabic in schools.

In the Indian school curriculum, only 21 per cent of schools were rated “good” or “better” for Arabic as an additional language by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai’s education regulator, this year.

That rose to 42 and 52 per cent for UK and US curriculum schools with many Emiratis.

Seventy-three per cent of Ministry of Education schools were rated good or better in the teaching of Arabic.

If someone’s talking and you don’t understand what they’re saying, you start to feel that sense of ‘I don’t belong’ JUSTIN THOMAS Professor at Zayed University