Variation in the Definite Article and Attitudes Towards it in The Speech Community of Jazani Arabic

Abstract

This study investigates the use of the definite article [ʔam] in Jazani Arabic and speakers’ attitudes towards it addressing two main questions: (i) What are the linguistic factors that govern the occurrence of the definite article [ʔam] in Jazani Arabic? (ii) What are speakers of Jazani Arabic’s attitudes towards the use of the definite article [ʔam]? Is there a correlation between speakers’ attitudes and social variables? A survey of 51 items was designed to elicit demographic information, linguistic choices based on native-speaker judgment, and attitudes. 102 respondents completed the survey; all were native speakers of Jazani Arabic, resided in Abu Arish, and were 18 years old and above.

As the results of this study show, (i) the semantic content of lexical items constrains the definite article in Jazani Arabic, (ii) variation in the definite article sometimes exhibits lexical contrasts, and (iii) pre-nominal demonstratives may influence variation in the definite article. The results also indicate that the regional variant is often used in less formal contexts, and its use is impacted to some extent by addressees’ affiliation (in-group vs. outgroup). In-group preference is moderately influenced by the shared language in marriage whereas speakers’ feelings of belonging are significantly impacted by it. Furthermore, the regional variant is not socially stigmatized by JA speakers as they demonstrated largely positive attitudes towards it. As for the role of social factors in speakers’ attitudes, there is not sufficient statistical evidence to suggest a significant correlation between them at the conventional significance level. However, Results of the Chi-square test indicate that there is a correlation between sex and the use of the regional variant, in which females tend to be more formal in their use of language. The thesis holds importance in its presentation and analysis of new data and examination of a Saudi dialect that has received little attention in scholarly investigations, which would be of significance for sociolinguistic research.