Placenames as Loci of Contact Induced-Change in Algeria: Evidence from Tiaret Speech Community.

Abstract

The examines a promising area of research in the sociolinguistic fieldwork, which is Placenames as Loci of contact-induced change in Tiaret Speech Community (TSC). The ultimate objective is to investigate the etymologies of toponyms in TSC mainly scrutinizing the reasons behind them. The methodology adopted was based, first on observation that extended for more than four months. Second, an interview, as a qualitative research tool, was conducted with 65 informants. The construction morphology theory (CMT) as an adequate approach to help us analysing the morpho-phonological changes of the toponyms. Our findings indicate that most placenames borrowed from one of the various co-existing language varieties in Algeria. Last but not least, the study opens the door for further research language variation and change in the toponomy of other cities/ street/districts in Tiaret and its suburbs.