Sociopolitical Context and Students’ Attitudes and Motivation

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 5 discusses sociopsychological factors in language learning, mainly focusing on attitudes and motivation in the context of learning Arabic in Israel. It highlights the complex relationship between language attitudes, societal dynamics, and learning outcomes. Negative attitudes toward Arabic and its speakers among Jewish students in Israel stem from sociopolitical tensions and perceptions of Arabs as a threat. Studies reveal low motivation to learn Arabic beyond instrumental purposes, such as military service. Even positive attitudes among younger students learning Arabic in elementary school diminish as they progress to junior high and high school. The sociopolitical context, including stereotypes and conflicts, profoundly influences students' attitudes and motivation to learn Arabic, posing significant challenges to fostering cross-cultural understanding and language proficiency.

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Citation

Brosh, Hezi. Sociopolitical Context and Students’ Attitudes and Motivation. 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=46244. Date accessed: 02 May 2024 doi: 10.1558/equinox.46244. May 2025

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