DIALECTAL INFLUENCES ON THE PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS BEGINNING WITH "م" IN ALKARAK, JORDAN

Author Name: 1. Dr. Marwan Mohammad Al-Thunaibat, 2. Rashed Aurshood Attalaheen

Volume/Issue: 05/07

Country: Malaysia

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/12.2024-11683715/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Universiti Utara Malaysia.
2. Mutah University.

ABSTRACT

This study explores the phonological variations in the pronunciation of words beginning with the bilabial sound م among students in Alkarak, Jordan, with a focus on distinguishing between Palestinian and Jordanian dialects. Arabic, characterized by rich regional diversity, presents unique phonological features influenced by historical, social, and cultural factors. Using a mixed-method approach, this research included reading tasks and semi-structured interviews conducted with 22 students, 13 from Palestinian origins and 9 from Jordanian origins. The analysis revealed that Palestinian-origin students predominantly pronounced words with a fatha (e.g., مَنسف), while Jordanian-origin students favored a kasrah pronunciation (e.g., مِنسف). The study highlights how these variations reflect regional identity, shaped by familial language practices and local linguistic norms. The findings contribute to the understanding of Arabic dialectology, emphasizing the role of phonological differences in linguistic identity and providing practical insights for language education. These results suggest that incorporating dialectal awareness in educational curricula can bridge the gap between Modern Standard Arabic and regional colloquial varieties, fostering better communication skills and linguistic appreciation among learners.

Key words: Arabic dialects, Jordanian Arabic, Palestinian Arabic, phonological variation, pronunciation differences, bilabial sound م, phonetic analysis, sociolinguistics, regional dialects, linguistic identity, dialectal influences, dialectal awareness, language teaching, language variation, ancestral background, educational implications, Arabic phonology.