Language Policy: The Intersection of Politics and Culture

The Reality of Arabic in Israel - Classrooms in Conflict - Hezi Brosh

Hezi Brosh [+-]
U. S. Naval Academy
Professor Brosh is a distinguished scholar in Arabic Language Teaching and Learning, holding a Ph.D. from Tel Aviv University and an M.A. from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His research primarily focuses on second-language acquisition, particularly in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, with pioneering studies on the challenges and strategies encountered by Hebrew speakers learning Arabic in Israel. Professor Brosh has played pivotal roles in establishing Arabic language programs at the State Teachers’ College of Education and Seminar Hakibbutzim in Israel, as well as at Bard College in the U.S. Moreover, he served for many years as the coordinator of the Arabic Teacher Training Program at Tel Aviv University and held the position of director of the Arabic Program at the U.S. Naval Academy from 2017 to 2022. In addition to his work in language acquisition, Professor Brosh’s research extends into sociolinguistics, exploring themes such as language and conflict, identity, and contact. He has contributed substantially to language pedagogy, effective teaching methods, curriculum development, and cultural integration in language instruction. As an accomplished author, Professor Brosh has authored numerous Arabic textbooks and scholarly articles, with his work recognized in prestigious journals such as Applied Linguistics, Foreign Language Annals (FLA), and Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching (SLLT). He actively participates in national and international conferences, symposia, workshops, and professional societies, sharing his expertise with educators and language enthusiasts. Professor Brosh’s ongoing dedication is evident through his affiliation with the Languages and Cultures Department of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he continues to advance the field and empower Arabic language learners worldwide.

Description

Chapter three delves into Israel's language policies and their societal ramifications. It traces the evolution of Hebrew dominance, from its revival as a national language to its central role in Israeli formation. The chapter also scrutinizes the marginalization of Arabic and other minority languages, critiquing governmental priorities favoring Hebrew over linguistic diversity. Furthermore, it explores the IDF's role in promoting Hebrew proficiency and shaping national identity through compulsory military service. The text also delves into Hebrew and Arabic in the Arab sector, delineating historical and contemporary language education strategies, including obligatory Hebrew instruction for Arab students to foster integration and allegiance to the Jewish state. Additionally, it examines the distinctive status of English in Israel, its escalating significance, and its impact on language education and societal dynamics, underscoring disparities in language perception and proficiency between Jewish and Arab communities.

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Citation

Brosh, Hezi. Language Policy: The Intersection of Politics and Culture. The Reality of Arabic in Israel - Classrooms in Conflict. Equinox eBooks Publishing, United Kingdom. May 2025. ISBN 9781800505605. https://www.equinoxpub.com/home/view-chapter/?id=46242. Date accessed: 04 May 2024 doi: 10.1558/equinox.46242. May 2025

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