Arab Vernacularism: A New Approach to Cultural and Linguistic Discourse in the Modern Age

Abstract

Arab Vernacularism (المحليّة العربية) challenges long-standing notions about the role of vernacular languages and culture in the Arab world. In this work، vernacularism is presented not just as a linguistic phenomenon but as a cultural، creative، and ideological force that shapes local identities and resists global homogenization. However، the book also confronts significant academic and political obstacles that have hindered the study of vernaculars، particularly in the context of Arab Nationalism. The restriction or even outright prohibition of studying local dialects has been presented as a threat to Arab unity، with fears that emphasizing local dialects over Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) could lead to fragmentation and division within the Arab world.