Ajami History, Culture, and Assimilation

Abstract

This study investigates Ajami, which is the language of the Ajami ethnicity in the UAE. Currently, usage of Ajami is declining, and the multiplicity of Emirati citizens’ cultural identities has converged over time to form one monolithic national identity; consequently, academic research on local cultures that are not broadly officially recognized, like Ajami, is scarce. Given that language is one of the most important representations of culture, examining Ajami language and its use can provide valuable insights into the status of Ajami culture in the UAE. The body of existing academic work dedicated to studying the Ajami language and history, in addition to being scarce, is conflicting, reflecting the socially controversial nature of the Ajami identity and history. To address these gaps in knowledge, in-depth interviews were conducted with members of the Ajami community regarding their ethnicity, the social environment surrounding the Ajami language, and their language use. Findings of these interviews are cross-examined by previous research on Ajami and other minority languages, which further suggest the need for the revival of the Ajami language and culture through larger community efforts. It is expected that an introduction of new technologies such as AI language learning tools will play a crucial role in keeping records of the Ajami language, so that it may be inherited to future generations.