Diglossia in the Teaching of Arabic as a Foreign Language Dissertation

Arabic language happens to be one of the major languages of the world that has got very many existing varieties. In its study there may emerge diglossia, a situation whereby two languages find themselves being used by one language community at the same time (Al – Batal 286). Diglossia therefore in the Arabic context is a subject that needs to be given a keen eye.

The subject of diglossia runs at all times alongside language and in its study it needs to be remembered that it can cause a lot of confusion and that is why it is the major subject that is dealt with in this study. In this proposed study, there are five chapters each of which is dealing with a particular issue in regard to the understanding of diglossia in the learning of Arabic as a foreign language.

The main objective therefore is to establish the effects of diglossia in a context where confusion may arise due to one failing to draw the line between the many varieties of Arabic in one context, that is, Arabic for formal use and the colloquial one(Al – Batal 286). The introduction will contain background information, which is the subject under study.

This entails the global developments under the area of study, then the regional perspective and then the specific area and context of study for instance in a foreign context. The statement of the problem should also be included; this is a summary of the problem to be investigated, that is, diglossia in the teaching of Arabic as a foreign language. The evidence of the problem is also included in the first chapter so as to show that that problem actually is in existence.

Chapter two will contain the literature review which is an analysis of the existing literature relevant to the area under study which gives the researcher theoretical background of what has already been done by previous researchers. Besides providing insight of what has been done, the literature review is also important in guiding the researcher to make accurate interpretation of the subject under study because of the broad understanding of the subject.

The literature review is a demonstration that the researcher has done a broad comparison of the existing literature in order to address the loop holes that could be present. It also exposes the gaps in the area of study which can then be addressed subsequently in conducting the study. The third chapter will contain the research methodology to be used and in this regard, survey.

This is a methodology that allows a researcher to collect data through questionnaires and interviews. It also provides one with an opportunity to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Data so obtained is analyzed and interpreted to give the expected results as to what extent the study of Arabic as a foreign language been affected by diglossia.

More information can also be obtained through a desk review of the existing literature. When this is combined with the descriptive approach provides a broad perspective and understanding. Therefore one can easily draw a reliable conclusion of the findings. There is need to adopt an appropriate research design such that if one conducts the same study in a different setting apart from the context used here, the finds can be reliable.

Chapter four however, is concerned with the presentation of the findings as well as discussions on it. This chapter is structured into three major sections: one section for demographic characteristics of sample respondents, section two for findings and section three for discussions or interpretation of findings.

Chapter five on the other hand provides a summary of the research findings and the procedures used. It concludes and discusses the implications of the findings – their meaning and significance. Finally, this chapter also deals with the recommendations or suggestions for further research which will serve as a conclusion.

Works Cited

Al – Batal, Mahmoud. Diglossia Proficiency: The Need for an Alternative Approach to Teaching. The Arabic Language in America. Ed. by, Rouchdy, Aleya. Detroit, MI: Wayne State University Press. 1992.