THE ROLE OF FAMILY NETWORKS IN MAINTAINING ARABIC LANGUAGE USE IN THE RAPARIN TERRITORY

Abstract

This research investigates the internal family factors that contribute to the preservation of the Arabic language within the Arab community in the Raparin territory of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In contrast to the context of sociopolitical and linguistic shifts following Kurdish autonomy, the Arabic language, once dominant, is now marginalized in many spheres of public life. Relying on sociolinguistic theories of language maintenance and intergenerational conveyance, the research uses a community profile and a structured questionnaire to examine how family dynamics affect linguistic continuity. This study was conducted in the Raparin territory, where 40 Arab ethnic members were asked to fill out eighteen questionnaire items. The data was collected using a quantitative method. The findings expose that family language policy, parental language practice, and the engagement of extended family members, particularly grandparents, play a vital role in maintaining Arabic. Despite external challenges such as media influence and mixed marriages, the family continues to be the main sphere of resistance against language shift. The study stresses the critical role of home environments in protecting minority languages in contexts lacking structural support.