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A Constraint-Based Analysis of the Phonological Adaptation of English Loanwords into Najdi Arabic.

Authors :
Al-Talib, Amjad
Al-Mohanna, Faisal
Source :
Journal of Research in Language & Translation (JRLT); Oct2024, Vol. 4 Issue 2, p188-216, 29p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

This paper investigates the phonological processes that English loanwords had undergone to be in harmony with the grammar of Najdi Arabic (NA henceforth). This study aims to provide a theoretical analysis of these phonological processes. Epenthesis, vowel lengthening, and vowel shortening are shown in this study to be strategies adapted by Najdi Arabic speakers to modify the loanword forms into a shape based on their L1 grammar. The constraint-based theoretical framework of Optimality Theory (OT) accounts for the phonological modifications in English loanwords. Epenthesis is seen to be motivated by the requirements of Najdi Arabic's syllable structure. Sound segments are epenthesized, for instance, to repair illicit onsetless syllables as well as repair disallowed consonant clusters. Further, the foot well- formedness is the main incentive behind vowel lengthening and vowel shortening in the course of adapting English loanwords. This study concludes that English loanwords are harmonious with Najdi Arabic grammar where they go through phonological modifications to be pronounceable by Najdi Arabic speakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16588673
Volume :
4
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Research in Language & Translation (JRLT)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
180979181