English Language Learning and the Identity of Moslem Undergraduate Students in Pakistan

Sameera Sultan — 2025-03-01

Language serves as a carrier of identity, with each language reflecting distinct ideologies about life. For Pakistani Muslim students, especially those attending Islamic schools, language holds religious and cultural significance, linking them to both their local heritage and the global Muslim community. Bilingualism tends to foster more complex and hybrid identities, as students navigate different linguistic systems. In Pakistan, English is a mandatory language in education due to its role in science, technology, and international discourse. However, for Pakistani Muslim students, Urdu (the national language) and Arabic (the religious language) are equally important in shaping their identities. The research result has shown that learning English influences the identity of undergraduate students in Karachi, including those from Islamic educational institutions. The study, based on data from surveys of university students, found that students generally experience enhanced confidence and self-perception, with positive identity transformation. Students from Islamic backgrounds, in particular, navigate the challenge of balancing Islamic values with modern education. However, some students exhibit a subtractive identity change, where they disconnect from their religious or cultural roots in favour of a more Westernized identity. The study concludes that students, especially those from Islamic schools, develop hybrid identities in which English, their native language (Urdu), and religious language (Arabic) all contribute to identity formation. The study recommends that language policies and educational frameworks recognize the significance of both Urdu and English, alongside Arabic, to foster a more inclusive understanding of identity development among students.

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English Language Learning and the Identity of Moslem Undergraduate Students in Pakistan