The Arabic Language between Legal Protection and Actual Usage: A Study of Law No. (64) of 1977 on the Preservation of the Integrity of the Arabic Language as a Model

Abstract

Arabic ranks among the world’s foremost living languages as the language of the Qur’an and the vessel of civilisation and identity; any threat to its integrity endangers the nation’s collective memory. Globalisation, modern media, social networks, colloquial varieties, and “Arabizi” have eroded the prestige of Classical Arabic.Iraq’s Law No. 64 of 1977 sought to establish Arabic as the official medium in state institutions, education, the media, and commercial naming. This study evaluates the Law after more than forty-eight years, identifies implementation gaps, and proposes modernisation measures through a descriptive-analytical approach.Although progressive and comprehensive at the time—covering administrative, educational, media, and cultural spheres with supervisory and penal mechanisms—the Law reveals a wide gap between text and practice: limited official adherence, dominance of colloquial Arabic and English in education and media, and persistent foreign commercial names.Shortcomings stem from technological lag, weak institutional will, outdated penalties, low public awareness, and globalisation pressures. The problem lies in application rather than conception. Recommendations include raising fines, regulating digital usage, establishing an independent authority, linking promotions and licences to compliance, reforming curricula, enforcing media linguistic standards, and launching a national awareness campaign.Ultimately, protecting Arabic is a matter of national security; revitalising the 1977 Law is essential for preserving identity and securing a sound linguistic future.