Affrication in Najdi Arabic: Application and Resistance

Abstract

This paper examines affrication process in Najdi Arabic, Qassimi variety in particular, and proposes a rule of affrication that regulates this phonological process. It discusses the environments where the affricate [ts] is produced in this variety and explores the applications of the proposed rule. It also proposes that [k] and [ts] in NA are not only cases of allophones, but they are actually different phonemes; therefore, some cases of [ts] are not simply cases of affrication of [k], but in fact a phonemic representation of /ts/. The paper also examines various exceptions where affrication is expected but not active in NA and adopts a form of Obligatory Contour Principle (OCP) to provide a systematic explanation where resistance of the affrication rule arises.

Keywords: affricates, OCP, place assimilation, affrication, Arabic varieties