Linguistic Insecurity and Dialect Divergence in Southwestern Saudi Arabia: A Study of the Malki Dialect

Abstract

Malki is an under-researched Arabic dialect spoken by an isolated speech community in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study is to uncover whether Malki dialect speakers experience linguistic insecurity and do environment, age, and gender as variables affect linguistic confidence? Data was gathered for quantitative analysis via survey on the Malki dialect using a five-point Likert scale. A descriptive statistical analysis and ANOVA test were conducted on 257 surveys, identifying eight groups determined by age and gender. Results showed that more formality of the environment and age of the participant were the most significant variables affecting attitudes about the Malki dialect. The greatest disparity occurred between the oldest age group (51+) and the youngest age group (18-25). Participant gender had no significant effect on linguistic insecurity.