This course will focus on the development of the Arabic language from its origins to the present. Both internal and external history will be considered so that students acquire a firm grounding in the linguistic evolution of the language, coupled with an understanding of its development in relation to a range of social and cultural phenomena. Particular attention will be paid to aspects of Arabic linguistic variation across the Arab-speaking world, and regional variation among major Arabic dialects in the lexicon and grammar. Readings will consist of Arabic texts taken from a variety of sources, including print and non-print.

Required Texts:

The Arabic Language. Versteegh, Kees. Edinburgh University Press, 1997.

Modern Arabic, Revised Edition: Modern Arabic: Structures, Functions, and Varieties. Holes, Clive. Georgetown University Press, 2004.