Diglossia and language contact : language variation and change in North Africa

Summary: "This volume provides a detailed analysis of language contact in North Africa and explores the historical presence of the languages used in the region, including the different varieties of Arabic and Berber as well as European languages. Using a wide range of data sets, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms of language contact under classical diglossia and societal bilingualism, examining multiple cases of oral and written code-switching. It also describes contact-induced lexical and structural change in such situations and discusses the possible appearance of new varieties within the context of diglossia. Examples from past diglossic situations are examined, including the situation in Muslim Spain and the Maltese Islands. An analysis of the current situation of Arabic vernaculars, not only in the Maghreb but also in other Arabic-speaking areas, is also presented. This book will appeal to anyone interested in language contact, the Arabic language, and North Africa"--

Record details

ISBN: 1139035576
ISBN: 9781139035576
ISBN: 9781139864879
ISBN: 1139864874
ISBN: 1139870599
ISBN: 9781139870597
Physical Description: 1 online resource
remote
Publisher: New York : Cambridge University Press, 2014.

Content descriptions

Formatted Contents Note:	1. Introduction -- 2. The languages of the Maghreb -- 3. Diglossia and bilingualism in the Maghreb -- 4. Language contact under diglossia and bilingualism -- 5. Lexical borrowing under diglossia and bilingualism -- 6. Diglossia and contact-induced language change -- 7. Diglossia and the emergence of new varieties -- 8. Conclusion.
Restrictions on Access Note:	NLC staff and students only.
Source of Description Note:	Print version record.