Arabic linguistics encompasses a range of language forms and functions from formal to informal, classical to contemporary, written to spoken, all of which have vastly different research traditions. Recently however, the increasing prominence of new methodologies such as corpus linguistics and sociolinguistics have allowed Arabic linguistics to be studied from multiple perspectives, revealing key discoveries about the nature of Arabic-in-use and deeper knowledge of traditional fields of study. With contributions from internationally renowned experts on the language, this handbook provides a state-of-the-art overview of both traditional and modern topics in Arabic linguistics. Chapters are divided into six thematic areas: applied Arabic linguistics, variation and sociolinguistics, theoretical studies, computational and corpus linguistics, new media studies and Arabic linguistics in literature and translation. It is an essential resource for students and researchers wishing to explore the exciting and rapidly moving field of Arabic linguistics.

A state-of-the-art survey of Arabic linguistics, covering both traditional and modern topics and pioneering studies of new Arabic media.

About the Author
Karin Christina Ryding is Professor Emerita of Arabic linguistics in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Georgetown University. In 2008, she was granted the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Association of Teachers of Arabic, and the Distinguished Service Award from the Georgetown Faculty of Languages and Linguistics. Recent publications include Arabic: A Linguistic Introduction (Cambridge 2014). David Wilmsen is Professor and Head of the Department of Arabic and Translation Studies at the American University of Sharjah. He has lived thirty years in the Arabophone world, studying the local dialects of the regions in which he has lived, publishing numerous studies in Arabic dialectology, and teaching in and administering translation and Arabic-as-foreign-language study-abroad programs.

Reviews
'Edited by two distinguished scholars of Arabic, this Handbook is a welcome, critical introduction to one of the largest and most important languages of the world. It finds a balance between treating core linguistic matters - including theoretical and descriptive grammar, dialectology, sociolinguistics, and computational and corpus linguistics - and exploring emerging domains such as Arabic in the social media and Applied Linguistics. With its breadth and individual expertise, it promises to be a standard reference work for years to come.' Jonathan Owens, Professor of Arabic Linguistics, Bayreuth University
'The Cambridge Handbook of Arabic Linguistics hosts very important theoretical and empirical contributions to Arabic linguistics. ... This volume is a valuable and thought-provoking companion, not only for students and academics who wish to engage in discussions about different subjects pertaining to Arabic linguistics, but also for all the Arabic language enthusiasts, as well as for teachers, writers, translators, and social media users.' Myriam Dali, Brill's Journal of Afroasiatic Languages and Linguistics
'This Handbook heralds a new era in Arabic studies, one which marries tradition and modernity, and where an abundance of important research work is put forward and made available to all those who wish to engage in the ever-growing conversations in this fertile field.' Myriam Dali, Brill's Journal of Afroasiatic Languages and Linguistics



Book Information
ISBN 9781108404891
Author Karin Ryding
Format Paperback
Page Count 637
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press