Arabic language maintenance among the Arabic-speaking community in the regional Queensland city of Toowoomba, Australia

This research project explores language maintenance efforts, experiences and challenges faced by the Arabic-speaking community in the regional Queensland city of Toowoomba, Australia. The purpose of this inquiry was to identify issues that might have contributed to or prevented the maintenance of Arabic language among Arabic speakers. The theoretical framework was developed by the researcher from several existing language maintenance theories and models. A qualitative approach was selected to investigate the language maintenance phenomenon through engaging in the everyday life of the Arabic speakers. Additionally, a descriptive and interpretive ethnography was applied to understand this community from insider and outsider perspectives, aiming to enhance the quality and richness of the results. Data were collected through participant observations, in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 adult individuals, and a research journal. Subsequently, a thematic analysis was undertaken which involved organizing, exploring and coding the data into several themes, and displaying and interpreting the data to answer the research questions. The emerging themes informed the findings of this study to answer the research questions. The conclusions of this research are envisaged to enrich the knowledge and theories of language maintenance and raise awareness of the Arabic speakers and the community about the importance of maintaining their language.