Learning Qur’anic Arabic in a virtual village: Family religious language policy in transnational Indonesian Muslim families

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: This paper investigates how two Indonesian Muslim families in the United States used digital technology to support their children in learning Qur’anic Arabic in translocal and transnational contexts in which to connect with family, friends, Qur’anic Arabic educators, and voluntary kin (members of a network of people who consider themselves family but have no blood or legal ties). Methodology: We analyze the family religious language policy (FRLP) of two families to provide descriptive accounts that illustrate why and how families integrated digital technologies into their repertoire of practices for supporting children’s Qur’anic Arabic learning. Data and Analysis: Data were collected through observations and video/audio recordings of naturalistic interaction, semistructured interviews, and the collection of artifacts over the course of 10 months. We applied Strauss and Corbin’s three-step coding procedures to identify patterns in behavior and belief with regard to children’s sacred language learning, particularly in digital spaces. Findings/Conclusion: We found that the families adapted the “traditional” FRLP to the context of migration, integrating digital spaces and practices to create a virtual village to support children’s sacred language learning. These adaptations were intertwined with and contributed to the maintenance of relationships with extended family, voluntary kin, co-religionists, and co-nationals. Originality: The study examines FRLP in digital contexts, focusing on the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to create a community for children’s sacred language learning. Significance/Implications: Sacred language learning is an important part of millions of children’s lives. In focusing on digital spaces, the study contributes to the emerging subfield of applied linguistic research focused on religion and language teaching and learning.