Arabic in the City

This edited collection explores the impact of urbanization on language change in major Arab cities, examining topics like migration, new vernaculars, and dialect dynamics, appealing to linguists and social scientists alike.

Arabic in the City is an edited collection that explores the impact of urbanization on language change within major Arab cities. This work fills a significant gap in existing literature by providing the first comprehensive analysis of how urban environments influence language variation and transformation across fifteen key urban centers in the Arab world. The diverse contexts, ranging from historic capitals like Cairo to emerging cities such as Amman and Nouakchott, highlight the complexities of urbanization and its effects on linguistic practices.

The book delves into various themes, including the historical context of settlement patterns, the linguistic consequences of migration, and the development of new urban vernaculars. It also addresses the phenomena of dialect convergence and divergence, code-switching, and the emergence of youth languages that reflect contemporary urban culture. Additionally, it examines the presence of Arabic in diaspora communities and among non-Arab groups, illustrating the multifaceted nature of language use in diverse urban settings.

With contributions from prominent scholars in urban sociolinguistics and dialectology, Arabic in the City offers a fresh perspective on the intricate relationship between language, society, and space. The case studies presented provide rich insights into the dynamics of language change in urban contexts, making this book a valuable resource for linguists and social scientists alike. Through its examination of the interplay between urbanization and language, it contributes to a deeper understanding of how societal changes shape linguistic landscapes in the Arab world.