Understanding the linguistic variation in English as a lingua franca among Arab siblings

Year 2018, Volume: 14 Issue: 4, 301 - 315, 15.12.2018

Fawzi Al Ghazali

Abstract

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Understanding the linguistic variation in English as a lingua franca among Arab siblings
This study investigated the various linguistic, psychological, and sociocultural variables that explain the variation in English as a Lingua Franca among Arab siblings. The variables are not predetermined but extracted from the participants’ contributions and data in a grounded theory research. The siblings participated in this study (N=15) are university undergraduates, who are educated in the UAE schools. Results showed that the existence of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) is not evidence that siblings progress in language acquisition at the same rate. The discourse analysis showed noticeable variation between siblings in the same and/or other groups. Sibling pairs proved to have variation in their linguistic levels exhibiting dissimilar levels of accuracy, fluency, L1 interference, spontaneity, and automaticity of speech. Some of these siblings have equal opportunities for improving their English; however, the analysis showed other affective variables influencing the development of language skills among them. The thematic analysis signalled three variables namely exposure to quality input and interaction opportunities, provision of quality education, and autonomy and independent activities. Eight of the fifteen participants attributed their deficiency in English to the inefficiency of the education system that did not facilitate sufficient exposure to linguistic input. Autonomy and independence proved to be effectual in creating the variation among siblings as well. This study sheds light on the significance of contextual factors in influencing proficiency levels among EFL learners in the UAE. The implications and recommendations of research findings are discussed.
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Author 1
Author (Last name, First name)	Al Ghazali, Fawzi
Affiliated institution (University)	ALHOSN University
Country	United Arab Emirates
Email address	[e-mail]
Department & Rank	Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Corresponding author (Yes/No) Write only one corresponding author.	Yes
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Keywords

Linguistic Variation; Language Acquisition Device; Lingua Franca; Exposure and Language Use; Comprehensible Input

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