Diglossic code-switching phenomenon in Jordanian newspaper satirical articles
This study investigates the functions that the diglossic code-switching between Modern Standard Arabic and Jordanian Arabic serves in Jordanian newspaper ironic articles. It also explores Jordanians’ attitudes towards this linguistic phenomenon. Data were collected through mixed methods; a con...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2024
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/23583/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/23583/1/Gema%20Online_24_1_7.pdf |
| Summary: | This study investigates the functions that the diglossic code-switching between Modern Standard
Arabic and Jordanian Arabic serves in Jordanian newspaper ironic articles. It also explores
Jordanians’ attitudes towards this linguistic phenomenon. Data were collected through mixed
methods; a content analysis of numerous diglossic code-switched expressions in the target articles,
an interview with a Jordanian satirist and a questionnaire distributed to 140 Jordanians. The
qualitative analysis of the diglossic code-switched expressions and the interview revealed that
diglossic code-switching serves specific sociolinguistic functions including an implicit criticism
of crucial political, economic and social issues, presenting distinctive sociocultural features,
expressing national identity as well as insulting and cursing. The diglossic switched expressions
appear as key linguistic elements full of social and cultural distinctiveness. They are found
powerful, purposeful and creative tools for conveying specific ironic messages that may not be
efficiently communicated through MSA only. Diglossic code-switching also fulfills certain
discourse functions encompassing quotation, clarification and elaboration, reiteration for emphasis,
inserting parenthetical comments and interjection. The interviewees reveal positive attitudes
towards this linguistic phenomenon except with the idea that it may pose a long-term negative
threat to the mother tongue. The results demonstrate that written diglossic-code switching
constitutes part of the linguistic variation in Jordan and is a good technique for attaining linguistic
accommodation with the audience as it increases simplicity and clarification and decreases the
language barrier with readership. The study concludes with some theoretical and pedagogical
implications and recommendations for further promising research. |
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