Variation in non-verbal negation in Ammani Arabic

The work makes available evidence that the alternation between [mu] and [muʃ] forms in Ammani Arabic grammar is socially conditioned. The most significant social factor is found to be gender (with a range value of 0.66). In this work the variant [mu] is assumed to be a sign of femininity; therefore it is more preferred by females than males. Age is found to be the second significant social factor (with a range value of 0.43). This can come down to the assumption that young speakers do prefer less complex forms hence the use of [mu] over [muʃ]. Education is also found to be significant (with a range value of 0.26). According to Al Wer (2013) education widens the individual's social networks and mobility so he/she becomes aware of the most prestigious forms used in his/her community. Finally region is also found to be significant (with a range value of 0.17). West Amman speakers prefer [muʃ] in contrast to East Amman who prefer [mu].