Examining Arabic language policies in Turkey at family and student levels: A study of Imam Hatip schools

This study examines the attitudes of male students and their families towards the Arabic language in a Imam Hatip (religious vocational) roject High School, from a sociolinguistic perspective. The research aims to understand the complex interactions of language and culture and enrich language education processes by providing a deep and accurate analysis of language attitudes. The study began by analyzing attitudes toward the Arabic language with 67 participants and conducted a detailed analysis of a group of 5 students with the lowest interest,and their families. Qualitative data on this group was collected through interviews, classroom observations, individual interviews, and focus groups over the course of a year. The analyzed data, provides an in-depth understanding of the student's and parent's attitudes towards the Arabic language. The qualitative data analysis results indicate that, overall, student's interest towards the Arabic language are below average. The research performed on the 5 students with the lowest interest, and their families, in particular revealed that the language is often treated by families from a monotone perspective, especially from a religious perspective, but the students do not adopt this situation and rather that they develop a negative attitude towards the Arabic language. The research conducted on the five students with the lowest interest, and their families revealed that families often treat the language from a straight, particularly religious perspective. It is important to note that these attitudes are not a good influence for all students. It revealed that there is a disconnect between these interest of the students and their families emphasis on language. The results of the study emphasize that the perception of a language is shaped not only by linguistic factors but also by social and cultural perceptions. These studies show that language education policies have the potential to influence cultural and social understanding beyond language, emphasizing the need for a balanced and comprehensive approach that integrates language and culture.