Graduation Term

Summer 2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of English

Committee Chair

K. Aaron Smith

Committee Member

Sandra Keller

Committee Member

Katherine Ellison

Abstract

This study explores attitudes and perceptions surrounding the Qassimi dialect within Saudi Arabia. It addresses two primary questions: What are the attitudes of Qassimi speakers toward their own dialect? and What are the perceptions of non-Qassimi Saudi citizens regarding the Qassimi dialect in terms of stereotypes and its speakers? To investigate these questions, the research employed two population-specific surveys—one for Qassimi speakers and another for non-Qassimi participants—alongside semi-structured interviews with selected Qassimi individuals to gain deeper qualitative insights. The findings reveal that Qassimi speakers generally express strong pride and a positive emotional connection to their dialect, viewing it as a vital component of their regional identity. However, their attitudes are also shaped by perceived societal stereotypes, with some expressing concern over negative judgments from the broader Saudi society. In contrast, non-Qassimi participants demonstrated a mix of perceptions: while their personal views were more favorable, they acknowledged the persistence of negative stereotypes about the dialect in wider Saudi discourse. These findings contribute to the field of sociolinguistics by shedding light on how dialectal variation—particularly the Qassimi dialect—is experienced, perceived, and socially interpreted in contemporary Saudi Arabia.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD.1763755358.592761

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