A Sociolinguistic Study: Address Rule System in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia
Hassanain, Khalid Said Ahmed
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/71905
Description
Title
A Sociolinguistic Study: Address Rule System in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia
Author(s)
Hassanain, Khalid Said Ahmed
Issue Date
1988
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Walker, Jerry L.
Department of Study
Education
Discipline
Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Language, Linguistics
Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies
Abstract
This study examined aspects of communication involved in dynamic face-to-face language interaction. Since language is affected by different variables, the findings are helpful for second/foreign language learning and teaching. A general overall awareness of linguistic and cultural variables can act as a bridge to mutual understanding and acceptance in situations of linguistic interference and cultural conflict.
Kinship and nonkinship terms were presented, along with their linguistic variants as they are employed, not only for communication with respective kin but also for acquaintances and strangers. The dominant variables were the age and education of the interlocutors. The analysis of kinship and nonkinship terms covered the following domains: family, school, and office environments.
Terms and their linguistic variants, as provided by the respondents, were tabulated in terms of percentages for frequency, age, and education. The chi-squares showed significance for both age and education variables concerning respondents' interaction with terms of address. Excerpts from short stories and plays written by Makkah authors illustrate the linguistic variants in different contexts. Addressors marked their own relationship among themselves and with others. Examples from the observational data were also presented.
The findings show a strong relationship between solidarity and familiarity factors when interlocutors are involved in natural conversational acts. However, the degree of formality of setting with regard to the dyads must be understood in the proper context to determine when the personal solidarity factor plays an important role in the address rule system.
This study will be of interest to researchers in several academic disciplines. For nonnative speakers, it is important for a better understanding of cross-cultural communication. For Makkans, it reveals just how they communicate with each other; the terms available, their frequency, who uses them to whom, and in what context of situation, and alternative connotations and denotations the terms convey, in addition to their primary meanings in communicative situations. Furthermore, an understanding of the Saudi language of address will enable the education planners to develop specific socialization programs and language curricula to accommodate trends and approaches as they develop in the future.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
