The language policies of Iraq and Syria and their effects

The article covers the language policies of Iraq and Syria. It aims to compare the language policies of both states, as well as the results and consequences of these policies. The paper met the research through the extensive analysis of reports and articles produced by different NGOs, think tanks, different academic centers as well as by official documents adopted by the Iraq and Syria. The H. Linz’s and A. Stepan’s typology of state and nation building was used to compare the language policies of Iraq and Syria. The author concludes that Syria and Iraq, both being multi-ethnic states, have completely different language policies towards ethnic minorities. The ultimate goal of both policies is the formation of a single national identity. The aim of Syria's strategy is the gradual assimilation of minorities and therefore only the Arabic language has official status in the country; the use of minority languages is limited. Iraq has taken a course towards the gradual integration of minorities; country recognizes its linguistic diversity, and both state and non-state institutions actively use minority languages. The language policies of both countries had varying success and resulting in both positive and negative consequences.