Language Ideology, Attitude and Discrimination

Abstract

This study discusses three interrelated concepts: language ideology, language attitude and linguistic discrimination. Drawing on past theoretical backgrounds and empirical research, the current study endeavours to demonstrate the causal relationship between language ideology and attitude, elucidating how they collectively contribute to the emergence of linguistic discrimination. The present study stresses that while attitudes are linked to individuals, ideologies are associated with groups. These two forces can work together, enabling dominant individuals and groups to linguistically discriminate against less dominant ones. One example is the right to be educated in one's mother tongue, which is often undermined by the ‘standard language ideology’ that dictates all children must be instructed in the official language, which is almost always the standard variety. Moreover, the global hegemony of English shapes the attitudes and ideologies of educational systems and labour markets worldwide. In essence, English continues to exert an imperialistic influence over education and the labour market.

Keywords: ideology, attitude, discrimination, Arabic, English

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/16-1-04

Publication date: March 28th 2026