Arabic Speakers in Asia: Migration, Multilingualism and Identity in the 21st Century

Abstract

Arabic is commonly associated with the Middle East and North Africa. Yet its influence extends into South and Southeast Asia, where it functions not only as the sacred language of Islam but also as a vehicle for education, migration, and intercultural communication. This paper examines the often-neglected presence of Arabic-speaking communities in India, Malaysia, and Indonesia – contexts marked by deep-rooted Islamic traditions and complex multilingual realities. Despite the dominance of research focused on Arabic in the West, Arabic in Asia is situated within long-standing networks of trade, pilgrimage, and transnational scholarship. The 21st century has introduced new dynamics, including increased Arab migration, the global circulation of Islamic media, and growing enthusiasm for Arabic language acquisition. These developments challenge monolithic views of Arabic and reveal its multifaceted role in shaping identities and linguistic practices across the Global South.