ARAB-515 Arabic Language Variation and Change

Staff

This course will examine language variation and change in the Arab world and the different factors that trigger change. The course will start by providing the framework for the study of variation and change: The concept of social class developed by Labov will be studied, then the concept of social networks by Milroy. Then the methods used by researchers in the West and the Arab world will be analysed and examined. There will be part of the course devoted to methodology and data collection. After familiarising students with both theories of variation and change and methods used by linguists, the course will concentrate on variables that influence language variation and the process of change. These variables will be examined in relation to studies done on the Arab world and with reference to studies done on other parts of the world. These variables include social class, ethnicity, religion, urbanization, gender, education and age group. One variable which does not play a major role in the studies done by Labov and others is diglossia, which is a feature pertaining to the Arab world. Therefore, there will be a section devoted to diglossia and its outcome, leveling.

The tutor has the right to add or cancel any of these topics.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Other academic years
There is information about this course number in other academic years:

• 2007-2008 Fall and Spring
• 2009-2010 Fall and Spring
• 2011-2012 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring
• 2013-2014 Fall and Spring

More information
Look for this course in the schedule of classes.

The academic department web site for this program may provide other details about this course.