Phonological and Lexical Variations: The Case of Ksar Chellala Speech Community, Tiaret.

Abstract

The present study investigates the sociolinguistic variations at Ksar Chellala speech community. The aim of this study is to examine the use of the phonological and lexical variations in relation to age and gender, and the attitudes that speakers at Ksar Chellala speech community have towards these sociolinguistic variations. To collect the data, a questionnaire was distributed to a sample consisting of 100 native speakers of Ksar Chellala dialect. The sample was equally divided into two groups: males and females. Each group is further divided into different age groups. In addition to the questionnaire, an interview was conducted with the participants. The findings of the study revealed that KC dialect uses a set of phonological and lexical variations and words which are not used by other speakers in neighboring speech communities. The use of these sounds and words is determined by two sociolinguistic variables, namely age and gender. The results also revealed that males and females speakers, regardless of their age, have nearly the same attitudes towards their dialect. These speakers maintain these phonological and lexical variations which reflect their identity.