The Influence of Arabic on Spanish Vocabulary and Expressions: Implications for Jordanian Learners
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1510.12Keywords:
Arabic-Spanish influence, Jordanian learners, vocabulary recognition, phonological interference, cross-linguistic influenceAbstract
The research investigates pedagogical and linguistic consequences of Arabic influence on Spanish language learning while focusing specifically on Jordanian speakers. The study explores vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, and learner motivation by examining the history of Al-Andalus (711–1492 AD), a period during which Arabic words entered the Spanish lexicon, creating educational opportunities for language learning. The research used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to understand vocabulary acquisition in Jordanian learners as it collected results from 100 students in vocabulary tests along with interviews at several proficiency levels. Results from the investigation demonstrate that learners achieve better recognition and show increased confidence in recognizing words that originate from Arabic when studying Spanish particularly at the intermediate language level. The students encountered problems when pronouncing Spanish syllables /θ/ and trilled /r/ while also experiencing difficulty because of false cognates. The research through thematic analysis showed that students who became more proficient developed better metalinguistic abilities and strategic learning approaches which helped them to use their etymological knowledge for dealing with phonological and grammatical differences.
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