From past to present: Exploring semantic change in Egyptian Colloquial Arabic address terms

Language change is an inevitable and natural phenomenon, and address terms (ATs) in Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA) are no exception. This study explored how 40 commonly used ATs have changed over time. It relied on historical data from Spitta (1880, 1883), Spiro (1895, 1923), Parkinson (1985), and Hinds & Badawi (1986), along with responses from a Google Forms questionnaire completed by 60 participants. The results show that the main type of change is semantic broadening, where the meanings of ATs have expanded to include more inclusive and versatile uses. This linguistic shift is influenced by cultural values that focus on solidarity rather than hierarchy, and the breakdown of class barriers, especially following the 1952 Revolution, creating a more equal system of address. By highlighting the interplay between language and society, the study offers valuable insights for educators and language professionals aiming to develop culturally relevant and effective teaching materials.