Investigating Linguistic Interference of the Kabyle Variety on the Acquisition of Algerian Arabic Dialect as Spoken in Tiaret

Abstract

To explore Algeria's linguistic landscape, it is essential to consider various factors, including colonial history and the emergence of multiple civilizations, which have led to significant linguistic richness. Against this backdrop, this study investigates the impact of Kabyle linguistic interference on the acquisition of Algerian Arabic (AA) as spoken in Tiaret city. The study seeks to identify whether there are linguistic errors made by Kabyle speakers when using this spoken in Tiaret, and the type of interference. To this end, the study at hand employs a mixed-method approach. A structured questionnaire is administered to both Arab and Kabyle-speaking communities, comprising 109 participants in Tiaret, to gather data relevant to the research questions. Additionally, qualitative recordings of seven (07) Kabyle speakers making errors in the AA dialect as spoken in Tiaret are analyzed to provide deeper insights. The findings of this study indicate that Kabyle variety in Tiaret exhibit negative transfer in different linguistic levels including, phonetics, grammar, and vocabulary, in their acquisition of Algerian Arabic as spoken in the research setting. Based on these results, the study offers strategies that can be implemented to mitigate negative transfer effects and enhance the learning process for Kabyle speakers acquiring Algerian Dialectal Arabic (ADA).