Blurb:

Chapter ten explores the concept of diglossia, focusing on Arabic as a prime example. Diglossia involves the coexistence of two varieties of the same language, namely the prestigious "high" variety (Fuṣḥa) and the informal "low" variety (Ammiyya). Scholars like Charles Ferguson and Joshua Fishman have studied diglossia's implications, noting its prevalence in various linguistic communities. Arabic exemplifies diglossia, with Fuṣḥa primarily used in formal settings, while Ammiyya serves as the everyday spoken variety, shaping communication and societal dynamics. Additionally, the chapter discusses the evolution of Ammiyya, its significance in public discourse, and its expanding influence in written and online contexts. It highlights the linguistic landscape of the Arab world, delving into morphosyntactic and lexical differences between Fuṣḥa (formal Arabic) and Ammiyya (colloquial Arabic), emphasizing the complex linguistic situation within the Arab world. Furthermore, it explores the continuum between formal and informal varieties, introducing the concept of Educated Spoken Arabic (ESA) as a hybrid variety that bridges different dialects. This dynamic continuum challenges learning and teaching Arabic as a foreign language.