Saudis’ Attitudes Towards Their Dialects: A Keyword Technique

Language attitude research uncovers perceptions about the diversity of languages and dialects. It follows how such is stereotypically perceived, which influences usage dialects among people. Therefore, diverse contexts, as Saudi Arabia, necessitate attention to reveal stereotypes Saudis hold towards their might affect usage. Little has focused on broad language attitudes in none previous studies have identified major region using keyword technique. Using an open-ended questionnaire, present study identifies regarding main country: Central, Northern, Southern, Eastern Western The names were represented conceptually questionnaire. Seventy-eight participants recruited for study. First, they asked write down first impressions Second, name most dominant spoken dialect. Eight evaluative themes emerged from study: affective positive, negative, linguistic features, awareness variation, cultural association, geographical tradition modernity. Each them reflects vivid stereotypical suppositions Furthermore, 68% perceived Najdi dialect Arabia. KEYWORDS Sociolinguistics, attitudes, perceptions, stereotype, profiles, Arabia