English Language Education Policy in Israel

English Language Education Policy in Israel

• English language education policy in Israel is shaped by the varying social meanings of the language throughout the country's history.

Historical Background

• During the British Mandate of Palestine, English was imposed as an official language alongside Arabic and Hebrew.
• With the rise of Zionism and the establishment of the State of Israel, English was excluded and regarded as the language of British imperialism.
• Currently, American influence is strong, and English is regarded as an asset in a globalized world.

Impact of Israeli-Arab Conflict

• The prolonged Israeli-Arab conflict has affected the status of English in Israel.
• The 1948 war led to a massive exodus, destruction of Palestinian villages, and the arrival of additional waves of Jewish immigrants.

Language Policy in Israel

• Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel.
• English was revoked as an official language shortly after the establishment of Israel.
• Hebrew has been a compulsory subject in Arab schools since 1948.
• Arabic was made compulsory in Jewish schools in 1996, but its status is far from symmetrical with Hebrew.

Demographics and Language Use

• Arabs make up 20.7% of the population in Israel (Central Bureau of Statistics 2013).
• English is of great value to non-Jewish migrants in Israel as a lingua franca.
• Knowledge of English may replace the need to learn Hebrew for many migrants.
• English is the main tool for many migrants to communicate with Israelis.

Challenges and Inequalities

• Not all members of Israeli society have the same access to English learning, English-language media, and English-language contacts.
• Palestinians and Jewish immigrants may prioritize mastering Hebrew due to its strong status in the country.
• Ultra-Orthodox Jews may view English as a cultural threat, and religious and cultural complications prevent them from learning English at a high level.