Variation in non verbal negation Ammani Arabic

The work makes available evidence that the alternation between [mu] and [mü] forms in Ammani Arabic grammar is socially conditioned. The most significant social factor is found to be gender (with a range value of 0.66). In this work, the variant [mu] is assumed to be a sign of femininity; therefore, it is more preferred by females than males. Age is found to be the second significant social factor (with a range value of 0.43). This can come down to the assumption that young speakers do prefer less complex forms, hence the use of [mu] over [mü]. Education is also found to be significant (with a range value of 0.26). According to Al Wer (2013), education widens the individual's social networks and mobility, so he/she becomes aware of the most prestigious forms used in his/her community. Finally, region is also found to be significant (with a range value of 0.17). West Amman speakers prefer [mü] in contrast to East Amman, who prefer [mu].

Pages: 92, Paperback, LAP Lambert Academic Publishing