High Variety vs Low Variety Culture in the Arabic Language : The Tensions Between Fushâ and ‘Âmiyya in the Contemporary Arab World

Abstract

Arabic language, in its sociological context is divided into two varieties: fusha and ‘amiyya. Arabic fusha is the official language and perceived as the language of Islam. In contrast to the fusha, ‘amiyya is the language used by the Arab people in their daily conversations. However, this ‘amiyya is considered as inferior. The method used in this study was qualitative that stressed the interaction between language and its sociological context. The method assumed that social and political events affected language use in a particular society. The paper tries to re-popularize the two terms used by Ferguson that are "high variety" (H) and “low variety” (L) culture in analyzing the two languages varieties. Besides, the paper explores the tension of the two languages through contemporary social and political events taking place in the Arab World. The Arabic fusha is perceived as a representation of “H” culture because it is a language used in religious literature and official writings, while the ‘amiyya referred to as a representation of “L” variety culture because it is used only as a medium of regular communication.

Investigating the Existence of Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA) in the Language Learning Context

“…As a variation of Arabic is considered "low", this language is generally used to communicate in lower-middle-class Egyptian society (Yoyo et al, 2020). In addition, this variation is also not taught formally in the classrooms -it does not get a significant portion of learning, both in Arab countries and in non-Arab countries.…”

“…The study of Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA) has attracted the attention of many academics (Yoyo et al, 2020;Albirini, 2014;Stadlbauer, 2010;Ma'nawi and Ma'ruf, 2015). Briefly, their research topics are divided into two categories, they are (1) the 136 | M u h a m m a d L u k m a n A r i f i a n t o , e t a l : Investigating the Existence of Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA) in the Language Learning Context status or position of ECA among other language variations, as well as (2) the grammatical structure of the language and its comparison with standard Arabic.…”

“…Regarding the status of ECA, Yoyo et al (2020) have observed the tension between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Colloquial Arabic (CA) in the contemporary Arab world. Using the theoretical framework of Ferguson (1959) on high and low cultural varieties, they attempted to confront the existence of Amiyah Arabic and Fusha Arabic in various contexts.…”

Arabic Darija dialect on the YouTube account of Aisha Devia official: A sociolinguistic approach

“…Second, there is a meeting of two or more different groups in one place and they meet there. Third, the emergence of cultural relations between different groups (Bowern, 2013;Yoyo, 2017;Yoyo et al, 2020). Usually occurs between neighboring areas.…”

Cultural Perceptions of Santri on Arabic Language Learning

“…Throughout world history, instances of new nations emerging or attempts to break away from existing governments often revolved around a shared linguistic identity among groups striving for independence (Rahman, 2002). Additionally, research has indicated that, in multicultural societies, the necessity of acquiring a foreign or second language is contingent upon government policies and the prevailing conditions within a country (Mallozzi & Malloy, 2007;Yoyo et al, 2020;Yoyo & Mukhlis, 2019). A case in point is Japan, where, despite the incorporation of English into the primary curriculum since 2011, practical needs for English proficiency among the Japanese population remain limited (Shimizu & Bradley, 2014).…”