Mona Farrag

Abstract

This paper investigates the views of learners of Arabic as a foreign language (AFL) on Arabizi as well as the possible effects of these views on the field of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL). For purposes of this paper, Arabizi is defined as: writing Arabic in Latin characters and Arabic numerals on computer-mediated communication (CMC). The study tries to answer the following research question: What is the attitude of AFL learners on Arabizi regarding: a. its effect on their communicative skills with native Egyptians on CMC? b. learning AFL? In a pilot study, a web-based questionnaire was posted on the researcher's Facebook page and copies were handed to AFL students enrolled in the spring program in the Arabic Language Institute (ALI) at The American University in Cairo (AUC). Nineteen complete responses were received and analyzed. The questionnaire was amended for the main study and 23 responses were gathered from students enrolled in the summer course of The Center for Arabic Studies Abroad (CASA). The results of both the pilot and the main study indicate that AFL students believe that Arabizi hinders an effective communication in Arabic on CMC and complicates AFL learning process. The participants express their need to learn Arabizi in order to have better communication with Egyptians on CMC. Moreover, they think that Arabic is acquiring a new writing variety. The researcher examines the potential consequences of these views on the field of TAFL and the status of Arabic language on CMC.

Degree Name

MA in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

Graduation Date

6-1-2012

Submission Date

May 2012

First Advisor

Taha, Zeinab

Second Advisor

Aboulsoud, Dalal

Extent

NA

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Arabic language -- Study and teaching.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Arabic language -- Usage.

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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