Arabic Diglossia

The Reality of Arabic in Israel - Classrooms in Conflict - Hezi Brosh

Hezi Brosh [+-]
U. S. Naval Academy
Professor Brosh is a distinguished scholar in Arabic Language Teaching and Learning, holding a Ph.D. from Tel Aviv University and an M.A. from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His research primarily focuses on second-language acquisition, particularly in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, with pioneering studies on the challenges and strategies encountered by Hebrew speakers learning Arabic in Israel. Professor Brosh has played pivotal roles in establishing Arabic language programs at the State Teachers’ College of Education and Seminar Hakibbutzim in Israel, as well as at Bard College in the U.S. Moreover, he served for many years as the coordinator of the Arabic Teacher Training Program at Tel Aviv University and held the position of director of the Arabic Program at the U.S. Naval Academy from 2017 to 2022. In addition to his work in language acquisition, Professor Brosh’s research extends into sociolinguistics, exploring themes such as language and conflict, identity, and contact. He has contributed substantially to language pedagogy, effective teaching methods, curriculum development, and cultural integration in language instruction. As an accomplished author, Professor Brosh has authored numerous Arabic textbooks and scholarly articles, with his work recognized in prestigious journals such as Applied Linguistics, Foreign Language Annals (FLA), and Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching (SLLT). He actively participates in national and international conferences, symposia, workshops, and professional societies, sharing his expertise with educators and language enthusiasts. Professor Brosh’s ongoing dedication is evident through his affiliation with the Languages and Cultures Department of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he continues to advance the field and empower Arabic language learners worldwide.

Description

Chapter ten explores the concept of diglossia, focusing on Arabic as a prime example. Diglossia involves the coexistence of two varieties of the same language, namely the prestigious "high" variety (Fuṣḥa) and the informal "low" variety (Ammiyya). Scholars like Charles Ferguson and Joshua Fishman have studied diglossia's implications, noting its prevalence in various linguistic communities. Arabic exemplifies diglossia, with Fuṣḥa primarily used in formal settings, while Ammiyya serves as the everyday spoken variety, shaping communication and societal dynamics. Additionally, the chapter discusses the evolution of Ammiyya, its significance in public discourse, and its expanding influence in written and online contexts. It highlights the linguistic landscape of the Arab world, delving into morphosyntactic and lexical differences between Fuṣḥa (formal Arabic) and Ammiyya (colloquial Arabic), emphasizing the complex linguistic situation within the Arab world. Furthermore, it explores the continuum between formal and informal varieties, introducing the concept of Educated Spoken Arabic (ESA) as a hybrid variety that bridges different dialects. This dynamic continuum challenges learning and teaching Arabic as a foreign language.

Notify A Colleague

Citation

Brosh, Hezi. Arabic Diglossia. The Reality of Arabic in Israel - Classrooms in Conflict. Equinox eBooks Publishing, United Kingdom. May 2025. ISBN 9781800505605. https://www.equinoxpub.com/home/view-chapter/?id=46249. Date accessed: 04 May 2024 doi: 10.1558/equinox.46249. May 2025

Dublin Core Metadata