The Development of Young Children’s Arabic Language and Literacy in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

In this chapter, we report on the current situation of emergent literacy and language in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (hereafter, UAE). In 2010, Abu Dhabi Education Council (hereafter, ADEC) announced a 10-year strategic plan aimed at improving the quality of education in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. A key feature of this plan is what is referred to as the “New School Model” which entails bilingual education (Arabic and English) from kindergarten through the years of compulsory schooling.This change has brought with it many intended and unintended consequences. The purpose of the present chapter is to examine issues relating to young children’s emergent literacy, including bilingualism, diglossia, and writing in the context of the UAE under the current New School Model. Although there is very little literature on emergent literacy and language development in the UAE, we looked carefully into these important issues and their implications in light of the existing literature in both the UAE and internationally, and also in relation to the rapid societal changes being experienced in the UAE.Recommendations are made for all concerned parties; policy makers, strategic planners, caregivers and families so that reform can bring the optimal development of bilingualism for the young Emirati children while retaining their national identity and culture.