ENGLISH LOANWORDS IN THE COLLOQUIAL SAUDI QAHTANI ARABIC

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the use of English loanwords in the daily conversations of colloquial Saudi Qahtani Arabic speakers. I utilized a mixed-method approach. I employed a questionnaire to collect quantitative data and conducted interviews to gather qualitative data. I surveyed 500 participants from the Asir region in southern Saudi Arabia, where the primary dialect used by the participants in daily communication is the colloquial Saudi Qahtani Arabic. Out of the 500 participants, six individuals were chosen to be interviewed. The sample represents the colloquial Saudi Qahtani Arabic speakers between 18 and 60, encompassing males and females from different educational levels and occupational affiliations. My study aims to investigate the use of English loanwords in Saudi Qahtani colloquial Arabic and the factors driving the notable spread of this linguistic behavior, including gender, age, and level of education. Besides, this study seeks to explore the extent to which participants prefer to use Arabized equivalents over English loanwords in their daily speech and the reasons behind their preferences. The study’s findings demonstrate that English loanwords adapted into colloquial Saudi Qahtani Arabic did not contribute much to the participants' sense of being more educated, prestigious, or respected. Additionally, the study’s findings indicate that demographic factors such as age, gender, occupation, and education level impact the participants' use of English words.