Language Policy and the Arabic Localization of Twitter

doi:10.1017/9781108277327.022

21 - Language Policy and the Arabic Localization of Twitter

from Part V - Arabic Linguistics and New Media Studies

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 September 2021

Amy Johnson

Edited by

Karin Ryding and

David Wilmsen

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Karin Ryding: Affiliation:
Georgetown University, Washington DC
David Wilmsen: Affiliation:
American University of Beirut

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Summary

This chapter takes us into the realm of social media platforms and the key role of Arabic linguistics in social media adaptation to the communicative needs of the Arab world. Through the localizing of social media platforms and the development and implementation of language policy, Johnson examines ‘the process of translating and adapting software to a new language and cultural context’. Issues such as collaborative translation and crowdsourcing have been instrumental in transforming social media discussion in Arabic formats. Providing a rundown of key issues in the adaptation of social media technology to different language areas, Johnson contextualizes the emergence of language policy and practice relating to translation and localization of social media texts, and discusses issues of translation and transliteration that apply both generally and specifically to the Arab world.

Keywords

social media platforms localization Twitter language policy translation (in social media)crowdsourcing fansubbing scanlation

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Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge Handbook of Arabic Linguistics , pp. 507 - 531

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108277327.022 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2021

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