The Use of the Low Variety of Arabic in Email Communications among Saudi Youth

This study examines the use of the Low variety of Arabic, commonly known as colloquial or spoken Arabic, in email communications among Saudi university youth, specifically in their correspondence with academic affairs unit. Drawing on sociolinguistic frameworks of diglossia, this project investigates the extent to which colloquial Arabic is employed and the underlying factors influencing this usage. Through a quantitative analysis of 100 email samples and qualitative analysis of 4 focus group discussions with Arabic language instructors, the findings of this study indicated a noticeable shift toward the incorporation of colloquial Arabic in academic email communication among youth, signaling broader transformations in linguistic norms influenced by technological advancements, generational attitudes and educational factors. This phenomenon underscores the need to adapt language education, institutional guidelines, and cultural expectations to align with these changes, ensuring a balance between linguistic evolution and the preservation of traditional standards.