Istirātījiyyat al-Tsunā'iyyah al-Lughawiyyah al-‘Amūdiyyah bi-Waṣfihā Adātan li-Binā’ al-Diblūmāsiyyah baina Indūnīsiyā wa al-‘Ālam Al-‘Arabī fī Al-Syarq al-Ausaṭ

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the strategy of vertical bilingualism in Arabic as an instrument of citizen diplomacy and trust-building in securing international philanthropy. Addressing the gap in informal cross-border humanitarian communication, this qualitative study employed a phenomenological case study approach. Data were gathered through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis of correspondence involving three Arabic Language Education lecturers at UIN Madura, a representative Middle Eastern donor, and university students actively engaged in the community service program. The results demonstrate that the program’s success relies on the tactical navigation of two linguistic varieties: the formal Fusha variety constructs institutional legitimacy and professional credibility in official proposals and reports, while the 'Ammiyah dialect (Egyptian) breaks down social distance and fosters emotional bonding during daily interactions. Coupled with real-time data transparency and student field involvement, this communicative flexibility effectively resolves cross-cultural expectations and technical geological challenges in the field. In conclusion, this sociolinguistic diplomacy successfully mobilized international philanthropy to build 12 borehole wells in drought-prone areas of Madura, resolving clean water crises for local communities. Furthermore, these findings advocate for a pedagogical reorientation in higher-education Arabic-language learning, shifting from rigid grammatical instruction toward problem-based learning and community service initiatives with real-world social impact.