Gender Issues in Arabic Language Studies: Analysis of Learning Texts

HUMANIORA - (23/4/2024) The phenomenon of gender issues in Arabic language studies has become an interesting focus revealed through the analysis of learning texts. The differences in identity between nouns categorized as muzakkar (male) and muannats (female) depict the dynamics in social structure reflected through the Arabic language. This was conveyed by Prof. Muassomah, M.Si., M.Pd. in her inaugural speech as a Full Professor held on Tuesday (23/4) at the 5th floor of the Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University (UIN) Malang Rectorate.

On that occasion, Prof. Muassomah elaborated on the importance of gender studies in Arabic language, especially in the construction of nouns. She highlighted the differences in identity between nouns with muzakkar (male) and muannats (female) identities, which reflect differences in social organization.

"Understanding the sexist structure of the Arabic language is a reflection of patriarchal cultural practices in various aspects of life," expressed Prof. Muassomah. She added, "Every element of words and phrases in Arabic contains symbols that distinguish between muzakkar and muannats with certain characteristics, reflecting gender roles in Arab society."

Furthermore, the woman born in Gresik described that social organization has different characteristics between spaces identified as muzakkar and muannats. The same symbols in a word structure with different genders have reflected different spaces, such as the words "جامع" and "جامعة". These differences in identity have implications for differences in social space functions and characteristics.

These differences in identity have shown that the organization of spaces identified as mudzakkar has characteristics of broader accessibility, power, and centrality. Meanwhile, spaces identified as muannats depict branches, health services, and education. In other words, sexism in the Arabic language's spatial organization has implications for accessibility and function.

Still in the same context, the Vice Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations of the Faculty of Humaniora also emphasized that the differences in identity between muzakkar and muannats in the Arabic language are not merely arbitrary but closely related to political, ideological, and cultural content that develops in Arab society. Every element of words and phrases in the Arabic language contains symbols that distinguish between muzakkar and muannats with certain characteristics, indicating that the Arabic language is not free from gender dimensions. The sexist structure of the Arabic language is considered a reflection of patriarchal cultural practices in various realms of life, from individuals to families to the state.

Prof. Muassomah's research, which has led her to become a Full Professor in the field of Arabic Language Studies, is not only an academic achievement but also adds a new dimension to Arabic language research that explores gender dimensions and strengthens understanding of cultural practices in Arab society.