Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Critical Discourse Analysis in the Arab World: A critical review(Bangor University, 2023) Asiri, Tahani Mohammed; Tenbrink, ThoraStudies in the field of critical discourse analysis have shown breadth in the methods of analysis of critical discourse (Wodak, Mayer 2016). The aim of this study was to find out how Arabs perceive the concept of critical discourse analysis. This study also intended to identify the extent to which CDA has been applied to Arab discourse and the degree to which its application aligns with the approaches of its founders. The current study also targeted to introduce English scholars and readers to Arab efforts in Arab critical discourse analysis, thereby contributing to the enrichment and development of this field of study. The current research used a qualitative approach to analyze and interpret texts in order to learn the methodologies used and added by Arab researchers. Analysis and monitoring were the most appropriate methodologies for the type of study such as critical review. The studies discussed in this paper have been divided into two groups: research written in Arabic that applied CDA to Arabic discourse, and research written in English that applied CDA to Arabic discourse with the goal of establishing the difference in the application of methodologies. The findings revealed that English research that applied CDA to Arabic discourse only committed to applying the proposed methodologies while Arab studies applied the proposed methodologies and added other methodologies stemming from the nature of Arab culture and language. Since each language has its own characteristics, which cannot be applied to other languages, what is considered an advantage in one language is a criterion of weakness in another language. The study also revealed a lack of studies in the field of analysis of critical discourse in Arab culture stemming from the nature of Arab political society and Arab linguistic specificities26 0Item Restricted .Critical Discourse Analysis in the Arab World: A critical review(Bangor University, 2023) Asiri, Tahani Mohammed; Tenbrink, ThoraStudies in the field of critical discourse analysis have shown breadth in the methods of analysis of critical discourse (Wodak, Mayer 2016). The aim of this study was to find out how Arabs perceive the concept of critical discourse analysis. This study also intended to identify the extent to which CDA has been applied to Arab discourse and the degree to which its application aligns with the approaches of its founders. The current study also targeted to introduce English scholars and readers to Arab efforts in Arab critical discourse analysis, thereby contributing to the enrichment and development of this field of study. The current research used a qualitative approach to analyze and interpret texts in order to learn the methodologies used and added by Arab researchers. Analysis and monitoring were the most appropriate methodologies for the type of study such as critical review. The studies discussed in this paper have been divided into two groups: research written in Arabic that applied CDA to Arabic discourse, and research written in English that applied CDA to Arabic discourse with the goal of establishing the difference in the application of methodologies. The findings revealed that English research that applied CDA to Arabic discourse only committed to applying the proposed methodologies while Arab studies applied the proposed methodologies and added other methodologies stemming from the nature of Arab culture and language. Since each language has its own characteristics, which cannot be applied to other languages, what is considered an advantage in one language is a criterion of weakness in another language. The study also revealed a lack of studies in the field of analysis of critical discourse in Arab culture stemming from the nature of Arab political society and Arab linguistic specificities16 0Item Restricted A Corpus-Based Study of the Use of Sentence Connectors Among Arab Learners of English(The University of Leeds, 2024-08) AlOnayzan, Amani; James, Wilson; Serge, SharrofThis study is a corpus-based investigation into the use of sentence connectors in English-language argumentative essays written by Arab learners. It utilises both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine Arab learners’ use of connectors in comparison to that of native speakers of British and American English. The corpora used for this study are from ALEC (https://dspace.auk.edu.kw/communities/22a5e75c-b93d-4f26-b559-21f5d721b097), which represents Arab learners, and LOCNESS (https://uclouvain.be/en/research-institutes/ilc/cecl/locness.html), which is a resource for native English speakers. The study focuses on three main aspects: 1) the frequency of connectors, 2) the placement of connectors within sentences, and 3) punctuation in clauses/constructions containing connectors. For categorizing connectors, I used Quirk et al.'s (1985) framework which classify connectors into seven distinct categories (as well as CIA2 by Granger (2015) for comparison). The outcomes of the study uncover significant differences, as well as some similarities, in connector usage between Arab learners and native English speakers. Arab learners use connectors significantly more than both American and British native speakers. However, this difference mostly arises from the increased use of some individual connectors (e.g. because, also) among Arab learners. Both Arab learners and native English speakers have a preference for using connectors in the middle of sentences. This trend is associated with the increased use of individual connectors (e.g. because, while) in this position. In addition, the analysis of punctuation surrounding connectors demonstrates a uniform and suitable usage among all groups; however, some errors were observed with connectors such as for example, suggesting areas for improvement in learners' writing skills. The study not only investigates the numerical differences in connector usage but also provides insights into the qualitative features of their usage, and its results are important for educators and curriculum developers to create language learning resources customised to the specific demands and obstacles faced by Arab learners as they work towards becoming proficient in English.30 0Item Restricted A Linguistic and Discursive Analysis of the Humour in Arabic Novels Written in Vernacular: Examples of E-Arabic Genre(University of Birmingham, 2024-04) AlShangity, Ali; Daoudi, AnissaThe primary objective of this research is to analyse the linguistic aspects of humour and satire in a new literary genre, known as e-Arabic literature. The research focuses on the emergence of this distinctive literary genre, emerging from Information Technology (IT) use in what is recognised as Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) and how it has been impacting Arab culture in general and literary scene, in particular. Satire and humour are one specificity of this genre, and this research aims to situate this new genre as one of the subfields of humour in Arabic literature. This study makes a contribution to theories about humour and adds e-Arabic literature, as a new genre which belongs to the global area of CMC and highlight a new variety in Arabic, known as e-Arabic. Furthermore, this study clarifies and analyses the development of the satirical writing style and the use of humour as means by which Arab writers cultivate an awareness of social and political issues within their cultures. In addition, it examines the significance and function of rhetorical questions, interrogative phrases, and punctuation marks in constructing a humorous and satirical writing style that is both original and creative. The current study seeks to investigate the utilisation of satire in e-Arabic literature, as a genre that uses a hybrid language and mixes in styles to create humorous effects, adding to Arabic literature a new variety. Moreover, this research reveals the underlying factors that contribute to the extensive popularity of political satire in e-Arabic literature and its impact on societal transformation. The predominant Arabic literature in this study originates from authors hailing from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Syria. The data for this research is collected from novels that exemplify the e-Arabic genre. These novels are written in several Arabic regional dialects, such as Egyptian, Najdi, Hijazi and Syrian. Due to the great dissemination of Egyptian media, the Egyptian dialect has emerged as the most prevalent used vernacular. The data collected revealed that Arabic novels written in vernacular language have ample evidence of the utilisation of satirical and humorous discourse. A thorough understanding of comedy’s intended purpose serves as the driving force behind this. The humour in each piece is associated with a criticism of religious institutions, politics, and political systems. The writers of these novels utilise many linguistic features, including lexical aspects, and purposefully depart from traditional norms in order to educate readers. The data demonstrates the excessive use of linguistic tactics based on juxtaposition, contradiction, and implausibility as linguistic devices to generate humour and construct a satirical framework for criticism.12 0Item Restricted Critical Discourse Analysis in the Arab World: A critical review.(Bangor University', 2023) Asiri, Tahani Mohammed; Tenbrink, ThoraStudies in the field of critical discourse analysis have shown breadth in the methods of analysis of critical discourse (Wodak, Mayer 2016). The aim of this study was to find out how Arabs perceive the concept of critical discourse analysis. This study also intended to identify the extent to which CDA has been applied to Arab discourse and the degree to which its application aligns with the approaches of its founders. The current study also targeted to introduce English scholars and readers to Arab efforts in Arab critical discourse analysis, thereby contributing to the enrichment and development of this field of study. The current research used a qualitative approach to analyze and interpret texts in order to learn the methodologies used and added by Arab researchers. Analysis and monitoring were the most appropriate methodologies for the type of study such as critical review. The studies discussed in this paper have been divided into two groups: research written in Arabic that applied CDA to Arabic discourse, and research written in English that applied CDA to Arabic discourse with the goal of establishing the difference in the application of methodologies. The findings revealed that English research that applied CDA to Arabic discourse only committed to applying the proposed methodologies while Arab studies applied the proposed methodologies and added other methodologies stemming from the nature of Arab culture and language. Since each language has its own characteristics, which cannot be applied to other languages, what is considered an advantage in one language is a criterion of weakness in another language. The study also revealed a lack of studies in the field of analysis of critical discourse in Arab culture stemming from the nature of Arab political society and Arab linguistic specificities.20 0Item Restricted The Role of L1 Dialect Phonotactics on the Production of L2 English Phonotactics by Saudi EFL Learners(University of Mississippi, 2024-05-01) Balbaid, Abdullah Ahmad; Schaefer, VinceThis study investigates the phonological challenges and adaptive strategies employed by 30 first-year university students majoring in English from three distinct Saudi Arabian dialect backgrounds—Najdi, Hijazi, and Hasawi—in perceiving and producing English onset biconsonant and triconsonant clusters. Exploring dialectal variations, the research aims to understand how these phonological characteristics influence the acquisition and intelligibility of English pronunciation among Saudi learners. Utilizing a combination of perception tasks through ABX discrimination tasks and production tasks inspired by the Labovian model, the study provides insights into the dialect-specific phonological challenges faced by the participants. Key findings reveal that Najdi speakers demonstrate higher proficiency in both perceiving and producing English consonant clusters, particularly biconsonant clusters, compared to their Hijazi and Hasawi counterparts. This proficiency underscores the significant role of L1 phonotactic knowledge in L2 phonological learning, highlighting the adaptability and cognitive flexibility of Najdi speakers in handling both familiar and unfamiliar phonological patterns. Furthermore, the study identifies distinct phonological repair strategies employed by speakers to address challenges unique to their dialects. While Najdi speakers commonly substitute /p/ with /b/, Hijazi speakers occasionally adapt by substituting /θ/ with /t/, reflecting the phonotactic constraints and opportunities within their dialect for phonological adaptation. The investigation into the impact of dialectal variations on L2 English pronunciation intelligibility indicates that Hijazi and Hasawi speakers' reliance on repair strategies and their challenges with clusters not present in their L1 dialect suggest a noticeable L1 influence, thereby affecting their pronunciation intelligibility. Contributing to a broader understanding of second language phonological acquisition, this study emphasizes the need for dialect-sensitive language instruction, advocating for pedagogical strategies that recognize the unique phonological landscapes of learners. This approach aims to enrich language teaching practices within linguistically diverse settings, fostering more effective and engaging language learning experiences across different educational levels.42 0Item Restricted An Investigation into the Efficacy of Incorporating Movies in Classrooms for Enhancing English Listening Skills Proficiency of Saudi Students(University of Sussex, 2024-03-21) Alshahrani, Nadia Zafer A; Greenough, JamesThis research investigates the effectiveness of using movies as a teaching tool in English language classrooms, specifically focusing on Saudi students studying in Brighton and the perspectives of experienced English language tutors. The study uses a mixed-method approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data analysis to examine the perceptions of 21 Saudi students and 7 English teachers. The study shows exciting patterns in how students feel about film-based learning and how this method helps them improve their listening skills, such as becoming more familiar with different accents and dialects. Additionally, it captures teachers' views on the pedagogical benefits and challenges of using films in language instruction. Findings suggest that movies are a valuable tool in language education, offering a dynamic approach to learning that aligns with the practical demands of understanding and engaging with English in a globalised context. The study provides evidence-based recommendations for incorporating multimedia tools into language learning curricula, highlighting the opportunity for creative instructional strategies in Saudi Arabian educational settings.56 0Item Restricted The (non-) use of politeness in interaction with voice assistants(University of Manchester, 2024-01-29) Alshami, Rakan; Hansen, Maj-Britt MoesgaardThis study explores the absence of being polite when interacting with voice assistants among Arabic and English speakers. Specifically, the cultural variations in the treatment of voice assistants among Saudi and British participants. In addition, the study seeks to understand the extent to which individuals anthropomorphize voice assistants and treat them as social entities. The experiment involved five Saudi participants and five participants from the UK, aiming to examine the differences in their interactions with the voice assistant Siri. The major finding of the study indicates a distinctive cultural variation in the treatment of voice assistants between the two participant groups. Another finding reveals a notable tendency among participants to treat voice assistants as human beings, despite their awareness of the assistants' artificial nature.19 0Item Restricted THE PRODUCTION AND PERCEPTION OF EMPHASIS IN QASSIMI ARABIC(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-12-01) Alrashed, Abdulmajeed; Blevins, James; Kwon, HarimThis dissertation explores emphasis effects (EE) in Qassimi Arabic (QA), examining whether EE functions as a phonetic or phonological process. EE is a well-documented phenomenon in Arabic linguistics, involving the influence of emphatic consonants on neighboring segments (Ghazali, 1977; Card, 1983; Davis, 1995; among others). The study also investigates emphasis perception in QA, specifically whether EE cues assist native QA listeners in identifying preceding or following consonants as emphatic or plain. As prior research exploring EE in various Arabic varieties has revealed variation among them, and limited research exists on emphasis perception by native Arabic listeners, this dissertation addresses these gaps by examining EE production and emphasis perception in the understudied variety of QA. In the production experiment, dynamic aspects of leftward and rightward EE on QA vowels were examined by analyzing second formants (F2) at 11 temporal points. Results indicate that leftward EE had a categorical effect on non-high vowels [a] and [aː], as well as the high front vowel [i], impacting them throughout their duration, providing evidence for it being a phonological process in QA. In contrast, rightward EE primarily affected the vowel onset, suggesting it as a gradual phonetic process rather than a categorical phonological one. In the perception experiments, the perceptual correlates of emphasis in QA were investigated using the gating paradigm (Grosjean, 1980). Native QA listeners accurately identified the following consonant using leftward EE cues, even within the shortest gate containing one-third of the vowel, indicating proficiency in using leftward EE cues throughout the vowel. However, for rightward EE cues, accuracy in identifying the preceding consonant as emphatic or plain improved significantly only when the entire vowel duration was audible. These findings align with the production experiment, confirming leftward EE as a phonological process and rightward EE as a phonetic process. The dissertation’s results have implications for understanding EE and emphasis perception in QA, emphasizing the importance of considering both phonological and phonetic processes when investigating EE and highlighting the significance of coarticulatory information in rightward emphasis perception. This nuanced understanding advances research into emphasis across Arabic varieties and Semitic languages.56 0Item Restricted Arabic Diacritics And Reading: A Proposed Psycholinguistic Approch To Foreign/Second-Language Pedagogy(Saudi Digital Library, 2023) Alqazlan, Bandar; Morkus, NaderArabic orthography is mainly presented either in shallow orthography (with all diacritics) for novice students or in deep orthography (without diacritics) for superior readers. However, the shallow orthography is heavily loaded with diacritics which may burden the reading process, whereas deep orthography can cause ambiguity (heterophonic homographic words). Building upon the findings of current psycholinguistic research, this study introduces a systematic approach to effectively and economically address the issue of diacritics and reading. This proposed approach begins with shallow orthography for new words the first six to twelve times they are encountered to assure lexical internalization and then ends with the newly-coined term semi-deep orthography in which only the needed diacritics are used. The semi-deep orthography is employed based on two principles: word frequency and ambiguity within the root-pattern system. The first principle is word frequency, in which the top 5000 high-frequency words, accounting for approximately 90% of written discourse, do not need diacritics. The second principle is ambiguity within the root-pattern system, since this system produces nearly 85% of Arabic vocabulary and thus provides the basic unwritten-vowel framework required for reading. However, occasionally ambiguity emerges within the system, for example when diacritics are required to distinguish between the active and passive forms of a verb.31 0