Language and Translation Studies (LTS)

Language and Translation Studies (LTS)

Parental Ideological Conception of Foreign Language Learning (FLL): A Comparative Study of English and Arabic in Iran

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
English Department, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, FUM, Mashhad, Iran.
Abstract
This study investigates the ideological concepts in learning English and Arabic as foreign languages from the perspective of parents in Iran. Using semi-structured interviews with 50 parents of middle school students in Tehran, the study explores their attitudes toward these languages. Findings reveal that parents’ view English as essential for their children's future success. They see English as a bridge to the world and for better opportunities. In contrast, Arabic is valued primarily for religious and cultural reasons, particularly for reading the Quran, with limited practical relevance. Some parents expressed reluctance toward Arabic due to historical tensions with Arab countries. The study highlights how power, globalization, with English prioritized for global success and Arabic confined to religious purposes. These differences reflect the influence of cultural, political, and religious ideologies on language learning attitudes. The findings can guide educational policymakers in designing curricula that align with parental expectations.
Keywords
Subjects

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