Abstract

The sociolinguistic aspect of code-switching has received attention of many scholars in the field of linguistics. This study builds on previous research and investigates the factors influencing code-switching amongst a bilingual Arabic and Nubian community of Nubians in Southern Egypt. Using Grosjean's (1982) model of factors influencing language choice, factors causing Nubian-Arabic bilinguals to speak one language over the other are investigated. Rouchdi (1991) suggested that Nubians are going through a language shift from Nubian to Arabic although she did not address the phenomenon of code-switching; this study looked at code-switching as an important factor in the language's tenuous survival as newer generations becoming increasingly Arabic monolingual. The factors influencing language choice determine what language will be used as a base language in any given interaction and the extent to which code-switching to the second language will occur. The study employed an ethnographic approach, where a triangulation of qualitative and quantitative instruments was used for maximum reliability and validity; methods used include observation, interviews, and questionnaires. Results were then cross-checked with Nubian cultural experts for additional validation. The study found that domain, or content of discourse, is a primary factor in determining language choice. It was also found that age plays a central role with fluency in Nubian (and therefore use) increasing in direct correlation with age. Last, but not least, it was found that Nubians, though fond of the Nubian language and proud of their heritage, exhibit a clear belief that Arabic is the language that will bring socioeconomic opportunity along with a belief that proficiency in Nubian is detrimental to mastery of the Arabic language. It is clear to Nubians that Arabic is the language that offers social, cultural, and economic capital as per Bourdieu (1977). Bourdieu suggested that a minority community would shift to the majority's language in exchange for better education, economic opportunity, and access to social networks. In line with this, many Nubian parents in recent generations have explicitly raised their children in Arabic-only environments. The study's discussion and conclusion present some practical suggestions as to how the Nubian language can survive despite its tenuous position amongst the youngest generations of speakers.

Department

Applied Linguistics Department

Degree Name

MA in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

Graduation Date

2-1-2014

Submission Date

February 2014

First Advisor

Taha, Zeinab

Committee Member 1

Essawi, Raghda

Committee Member 2

Effat, Ragia

Extent

145 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Nubian languages -- Social aspects.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Code switching (Linguistics).

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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