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From Formality to Familiarity: A Content Analysis of Linguistic Shifts in Written Arabic on YouTube.

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Title: From Formality to Familiarity: A Content Analysis of Linguistic Shifts in Written Arabic on YouTube.
Authors: Alkadi, Hisham1 (AUTHOR), Almoaily, Mohammad2 (AUTHOR), Alsuhaibani, Yasser3 (AUTHOR) yalsuhaibani@ksu.edu.sa
Source: International Journal of Applied Linguistics. Feb2026, Vol. 36 Issue 1, p904-915. 12p.
Subject Terms: *Diglossia (Linguistics), *Content analysis, Linguistic change, Linguistics, Arabic language
Reviews & Products: YouTube (Web resource)
Abstract: This study examines evolving language use within Arabic‐speaking communities, focusing on Standard Arabic (SA) and Colloquial Arabic (CA) in written texts. It explores how social media, especially YouTube, is altering the traditional associations of SA with formality and CA with informality. Using 2827 YouTube comments on popular serious and comedy shows produced in two periods (2010–2012) and (2019–2024), this study employs content analysis to assess SA and CA usage. It was hypothesized that older comments would use SA more frequently than more recent ones. Similarly, it was anticipated that comments on comedy content would more likely be in CA than those on serious content. The results show a consistent link between serious topics and SA, with a slight increase in CA in recent serious content. Comedy content sees a significant rise in CA, reflecting more informal language use. This study explores the impact of social media on language norms and concerns regarding non‐standard language use in academia. The findings suggest a shift in Arabic diglossia, warranting further research into its implications for formal communication practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Applied Linguistics is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22International+Journal+of+Applied+Linguistics%22">International Journal of Applied Linguistics</searchLink>. Feb2026, Vol. 36 Issue 1, p904-915. 12p.
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  Data: *<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Diglossia+%28Linguistics%29%22">Diglossia (Linguistics)</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Content+analysis%22">Content analysis</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Linguistic+change%22">Linguistic change</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Linguistics%22">Linguistics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Arabic+language%22">Arabic language</searchLink>
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  Data: This study examines evolving language use within Arabic‐speaking communities, focusing on Standard Arabic (SA) and Colloquial Arabic (CA) in written texts. It explores how social media, especially YouTube, is altering the traditional associations of SA with formality and CA with informality. Using 2827 YouTube comments on popular serious and comedy shows produced in two periods (2010–2012) and (2019–2024), this study employs content analysis to assess SA and CA usage. It was hypothesized that older comments would use SA more frequently than more recent ones. Similarly, it was anticipated that comments on comedy content would more likely be in CA than those on serious content. The results show a consistent link between serious topics and SA, with a slight increase in CA in recent serious content. Comedy content sees a significant rise in CA, reflecting more informal language use. This study explores the impact of social media on language norms and concerns regarding non‐standard language use in academia. The findings suggest a shift in Arabic diglossia, warranting further research into its implications for formal communication practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of International Journal of Applied Linguistics is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=ehh&AN=191615521
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        Value: 10.1111/ijal.12825
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Diglossia (Linguistics)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Content analysis
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Linguistic change
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      – SubjectFull: Linguistics
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      – SubjectFull: Arabic language
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      – SubjectFull: YouTube (Web resource)
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      – TitleFull: From Formality to Familiarity: A Content Analysis of Linguistic Shifts in Written Arabic on YouTube.
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              M: 02
              Text: Feb2026
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              Y: 2026
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