Tiaretian Speakers Attitudes towards Rural Speakers Dialect Case Study: Master Two English Language Students at Ibn Khaldoun University.

Abstract

Algeria has a diverse linguistic repertoire that corresponds to a number of dialects in different regions such as Algiers, Tiaret and Oran. Each of these dialects is distinguished by its linguistic variation at the level of vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The present study attempts to investigate the sociolinguistic situation in Tiaret speech community and its three rural areas (Ain Dzarit, ksar chelala, Rahouia) in general and the language variation in specific. The main goal of this study is to explain certain characteristics related to lexical variation, as well as, the distinction between rural and urban dialects. However, it determines language attitudes of tiaretian speakers towards rural ones. Therefore, this researchwork will define all the variables used on it. Thus, this study adopted a mixed- method approach that includes qualitative and quantitative methods. Two data collection tools were used: a questionnaire, which is divided into three sections, delivered to students of Ibn Khaldoun University and an interview meant for the inhabitants of the three rural areas. The findings show that there is a huge distinction between urban and rural dialect of Tiaret speech community, this difference led to racism among the speakers, the majority of tiaretian speakers havenegative attitudes towards rural ones.