Arab Identity and Language Security (ISBN: 978-614-445-002-4, 443 pp.) by cultural critic and linguist Abdessalam Msseddi, was published by the Arab Center of Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS) this July.

Building on his previous work, The Arabs and Linguistic Suicide, published in 2011, in his latest book Mseddi argues that a new era of advocacy for the Arabic language has emerged, one characterized by a new linguistic awareness. Having taken part in a number of initiatives across the Arab world aimed at reviving the Arabic language, Mseddi is well placed to undertake these studies. From the outset of the book, he distinguishes his approach from contemporary approaches to the study of Arabic language: ones which he categorizes as the “sentimental” approach; the “ideological”; and the “the faith-based, metaphysical” approach. In contrast, Mseddi uses a methodology which is rational and positivist.

Following a survey of the Arabic language throughout the 20th century, Mseddi moves on to look at the outcome of the 9/11 bombings, paying special attention to symposia convened by Arab politicians and intellectuals in their attempts to address the cultural and political ramifications of the period giving rise to 9/11. The book provides a chronological index listing all of the events, initiatives and projects which fall under this category. The aim is to provide readers with the raw material needed to gain a different, often neglected perspective on the question of linguistic politics in the Arab world. Students and scholars of the the Arabic language will find this book – a distillation of decades of work by Mseddi – an invaluable resource.

To buy a copy of this book in Arabic through the ACRPS bookstore, please cliock here.