In 2019, I was interviewed on Jordan TV by Alexandra Bouri about a troubling trend: why we so often speak in languages that aren’t our own. This is a widespread issue in the Arab world and it absolutely needs to stop. The entrepreneurship and startup scene is just one area where this practice is evident.
There are a few reasons for the dominance of English in the startup world:
- Global Reach: Startups often aspire to have an international impact, and English has become the common language of business.
- Investor Access: Many key investors come from English-speaking countries.
- Resources: A vast amount of startup information, advice, and educational material exists in English.
However, I strongly believe there’s immense value in speaking about entrepreneurship (and everything else!) in our native languages. People connect far more deeply with information presented in the language they grew up with. It makes concepts more accessible and breaks down barriers.
That’s why I encourage anyone in the startup world, and in all other areas, to prioritize their native language – unless, of course, your audience is primarily foreign. We need to make entrepreneurship relatable and inclusive for everyone, and using our own language is vital in achieving this.
Speaking of linguistic pride, during the interview, I also spoke about the disturbing practice of writing Arabic using English letters (Arabizi). This needs to stop. Arabic is one of the most beautiful and rich languages in the world, and we should cherish and protect it.
Did you catch my interview? If you’re interested in this topic, you can watch it here:
Let me know what you think!
