A good or bad habit?
Lebanon, Short Essay, 11/5/1997

Americans speak English, French speak French and Lebanese speak Arabic. You think it's obvious? Well don't. It's not even absolutely true.

A significant section of Lebanese society speaks French and English rather than Arabic. In front of others at least.

This phenomenon is spread among the rich. Take a walk at Caslic or in Verdun. These are the most prestigious areas in the country. Close your eyes and listen. You'll think you're in France. But then you'll hear someone making an obvious, clumsy mistake and you'll know you're still in Lebanon.

We should be very proud that we can speak several languages. It's a skill that proves our cultural refinement. The problem is the abuse. These people speak foreign languages at the expense of Arabic. Slowly, we're losing our identity. And for what? For show-off.

Indeed, languages have become the signs of sophistication and high social rank. To look educated, speak French. To look cool, speak English. Avoid Arabic if you don't want to be a bore. The emphasis, however, is on "look," for those same people are usually the most superficial. Well, what did you expect? Just think how they would treat you as inferior if you speak Arabic.

Previous Stories:
  Pleasant surprises   (10/20/1997)
  Hello? ! i'm speaking on the cellular   (10/15/1997)
  A sandwich as a symbol of Lebanese national identity   (10/8/1997)

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