AWEJ for Translation & Literary Studies, Volume 5, Number 2. May 2021 Pp.156-173
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awejtls/vol5no2.12
Arabizi across Three Different Generations of Arab Users Living Abroad: A Case Study
Mariam Haghegh
Faculty of Education, Eastern Mediterranean University
Famagusta, TRNC
Received: 2/24/2021 Accepted: 5/7/2021 Published: 5/24/2021
Abstract:
The study explores the sociolinguistic phenomenon, Arabizi, from a new perspective by investigating the case of three Arabizi users coming from different generations: Azer (42 years old), Nada (29 years old), and Mira (21 years old). The main research question of the study is how generational differences between Arabizi users shape their experiences with Arabizi in terms of 1) how they learned it, 2) how they currently use it, 3) how they perceive its effect on the Arabic language, 4) their attitude towards its users, 5) and their expectations for its future use. Semi-structured interviews were employed to gain a deeper insight into participants’ experiences with Arabizi, taking into consideration their linguistic, educational, work, and social backgrounds. The significance of this case study lies in how Arabizi users’ surroundings and life experiences influence their linguistic choices and perceptions. Findings provide insight into how Arabizi is considered advantageous compared to using English language. It is also perceived to be a phase for youngsters that will subside in the future as technology develops. The study concludes with recommendations for future research on how Arabizi transforms as its users grow older.
Keywords: Arabizi, case study, code-switching, different generations, Latinized Arabic, Standard
Arabic, sociolinguistics, Yamli
Cite as: Haghegh, M. (2021). Arabizi across Three Different Generations of Arab Users Living Abroad: A Case Study.
Arab World English Journal for Translation & Literary Studies 5 (2) 156-173.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awejtls/vol5no2.12
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