Ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic factors combine in forming identities in the Middle East. Here, linguistic variation presents itself in the form of coexisting “communal dialects”. These reflect rather variegated aspects of identity and express inter alia the contrasting identity markers of ethnicity, nationality, religion, sedentariness, socio-economic status, and urbanity.

Against this backdrop, the actual meaning of notions like “Arab/Arabic”, “Aramean”, or “(As)Syrian” is difficult to grasp, especially regarding individuals and their identity. What is meant by these terms in each individual case is conditioned not only by individuals and their biographies, but also by their geographical place of origin, their nationality and citizenship, as well as additional factors involved in the formation of an identity, such as gender, language and dialect, religion or the socio-cultural background. Moreover, such “identities” are not static, but rather dynamic and influenced by further factors. These include the (supposed) identity of interlocutors, the current state of political affairs, and similar issues. In addition to a synchronous level of dynamics, there is also a diachronic level. These dynamics are fueled by the contexts of diaspora and migration and undergo further changes.

The project “Dynamics of Language and Identity among Arabs and Arameans in Germany” examines the factors and dynamics impacting the formation of identities among “Arameans” and “Arabs” living in Germany. It focusses not only on the basic forms of self-perception and the perception of others, but also situation-related changes that may influence the sense of belonging to and the self-localization within the respective group. The project seeks to identify and to describe the different ethnic and linguistic factors, but also historical, religious, and socio-cultural factors that have an impact are to analyzed with their constellations and effects.

By apprehending and hierarchizing the different factors and dynamics involved in the formation of “Arab” and “Aramean” identities in the German context the project will offer a contribution to the sociopolitical discourses on migration and identity.