Losing Identity: Snapshot of Bilingual and Bicultural African Children in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Children's practice of their mother tongue affects their respect for themselves and their traditions, so neglecting it while learning another language threatens their original identity. African culture, specifically the Hausa, is one of the greatest African cultures found in Mecca, next to the main culture, which is Saudi.The current study sheds light on this how the Arabic and Hausa languages affect the identity of African children. To achieve this, the current study used a questionnaire to collect data for bilingual children of African nationality, born in Saudi Arabia, specifically in the city of Mecca. The importance of the study was manifested in revealing the important results about linguistic and cultural practices in terms of (reading, writing, social communication, cultural practices such as dancing, singing, arts).The study found that children are more inclined to Saudi culture with its linguistic practices, and culture, which positively affected the identity of children.Although children's practices of their own culture are specific, they are important in belonging to their community.