Abstract
Arabic has been securitized in the U.S. post-September 11, in spite of its long history as a minority language in the U.S. The Department of Defense has poured money into Michigan public universities to encourage heritage speakers to learn the language and work for the government. Young Arabs realize that they possess a desirable commodity in the job market. At the same time, the connection with security, makes Arabic problematic in public spaces. How do young Arabs in Michigan reconcile this contradiction? This study is based on fieldwork in 2014-2017. Michigan is home to one of the largest Arab communities in the U.S. It relies on narratives of college students at Michigan State University. It also highlights the intergroup communication with the White dominant population within Michigan. Hybridity and crossing are two central analytical tools for the study of their narrative.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Securitization, Commodification, Hybridity, Crossing, Narrative, History
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