“Phonological Variation in Dialectical Formulas in Algerian Ritual Promises: The Case of Western Algeria”

Abstract

“Phonological Variation in Dialectical Formulas in Algerian Ritual Promises: The Case of Western Algeria”. Language is considered as one important component of national identity, a vital

means of communication between the members of a single society, and a basic medium of transmitting intentions and purposes. It, furthermore, contributes to the preservation of folklore heritage with its various intellectual, emotional and material aspects. It also determines the landmarks of civilizations and the history of nations.

Algeria, with its diverse geographical areas and folklore divisions, is characterized by a rich diversity of customs and traditions. This goes back to the remarkable variability within its dialectal interactive ways and forms in both social events (religious or national) and local occasions that distinguish one region from another. One particular social, intellectual and expressive event in Algeria is known as ritual promises waʕadāt.

The ritual promise is in Algeria subjected to regional variation in the sense that it recalls specificities of each local region. The west of the country provides models worthy of study notably at the phonological and phonetic levels, for better understanding the meanings and interpretations behind such an event. Those language structures are graded and levelled, and imply various topics that we intend to tackle in detail in the present paper.