Examines the syntactic and semantic relationship between verb forms I and II in modern standard Arabic. The main function of form II verbs was causative/factitive, with the core elements of the causative including (1) agent-subject, (2) action-process verb, and (3) patient-object. (CB)

A review of literature and research of some linguistic theories illustrates how gender neutralization in absolute numbers in Hebrew and Lebanese Arabic can more appropriately be accounted for by the rhythmic characteristics of the numeral set as recited in sequence. (CB)

Examines four theories which assume both that Middle Arabic was not spread throughout pre-Islamic Arabia and that the modern sedentary dialects did not develop out of the Poetic-Koranic Koine. Aspects of comparative reconstruction, language characteristics, contact history, and substratum influence are discussed. (CB)

Examines the syntactic aspects of code-switching from Egyptian to standard Arabic, as displayed in radio and television interviews and panel discussions. The process does not proceed randomly but is governed by principles dependent on switch position, type of category involved at the switch position, and language variety. (Author/CB)

Reviews literature pertaining to the subtle differences between the meanings of the particles "waw al-ma iyya" and "fa al-sababiyya," emphasizing their construction differences. (CB)

Describes the Arabic Language Teacher Training Program at the University of Michigan, and discusses upgrading the program to make it more comprehensive and flexible enough to meet the needs of both graduate students and secondary school and college teachers. The various degrees offered, requirements, and timeframes are provided. (GLR)

Advocates alternative approach to teaching of Arabic as a foreign language, which is based on integration of a spoken Arabic dialect and Modern Standard Arabic in a single course of instruction. This proposal is designed to alleviate some of the problems currently faced by Arabic programs in preparing students for the complex sociolinguistic…

Considers marked and unmarked structures in modern Arabic in terms of defending a basic unmarked structure which carries the least presuppositional background to which other surface orders can be related and a lexical treatment of number in Arabic. (CB)

Shows, on empirical grounds, that a verb phrase (VP) is absent in the Arabic sentence structure through specific examination of the language's syntactic property. (CB)

Examines how the term "Middle Arabic" has been used insufficiently, inappropriately, and in inconsistent manners, and also defines Middle Arabic by historical period and linguistic level. An analysis is made of Middle Arabic's multiglossic complexity and the unique structure of Middle Arabic compared to Old and Modern Arabic. (23 references) (GLR)

Examines two proficiency testing models, the ACTFL/ETS Oral Proficiency Interview and another model developed at the University of Wisconsin, to determine which is more appropriate for use in academic settings and whether it is possible to combine the best of both models. (GLR)

A study of the changes in the language behavior of an American-Lebanese community in Cleveland, Ohio, considering the community's background, its current status, environmental interactions, and linguistic behavior. Findings indicate a reduced ability to be quick and easy, reduced ability to be expressive, and linguistic insecurity. (CB)

Examines the historical changes in agreement patterns between Old Arabic and the New Arabic dialects to see whether they support Versteegh's radical hypothesis of pidginization, creolization, and decreolization. The conclusion is reached that the changes are chiefly because of processes of normal transmissions, "drift," and diffusion. (24…

Investigates university students' attitudes toward different varieties of Arabic, including Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), Bedouin, Fallahi, and Madani. The highest rated variety was MSA, the lowest rated was Madani, and Bedouin was preferred over Madani as a colloquial variety. (GLR)

Results of this study suggest that it is possible to establish specific proficiency-based goals for elementary Arabic using the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages proficiency orientation, to adapt structurally based materials to meet these specific learning goals, and to accomplish the targeted skill proficiency levels set for…