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While Arabic is the official language of Lebanon, a tiny Arab country of 4 million on the Mediterranean, many Lebanese pride themselves on being fluent in French – a legacy of French colonial rule – and English. Conversations often include a mix of all three, so much so that “Hi kifak, ca va?” – with the English “hi” and the Arabic and French phrases for “how are you?” – has become a typical greeting, even appearing on T-shirts and mugs sold in souvenir shops.
Most schools in Lebanon teach three languages from an early age, and many parents send their children to French- or American-curriculum schools where Arabic comes second or third. It has become very common for young people, particularly when using Facebook and text messages, to write Arabic using Latin characters.
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But for Youssef Dakhil, a student in his 20s, the problem is all about the lack of a Lebanese national identity.“Unfortunately, we like everything that’s imported, including foreign languages,” he said.
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