The Egyptian Dialect as an Expression of Linguistic Change in Arab Countries

Abstract

In this article I am going to present the ways in which the Egyptian dialect renders social norms which are illustrated by the examples of expressions regarding human-to- human interaction. This provides an outline of the existent system of values with special emphasis laid upon the values of collectivism and individualism (perceived in the categories of cross-cultural psychology). Within the framework of collectivism the expressions are shaped in the field of tribal and family life owing to mutual relationships, including the issues that are characteristic of Arabic culture, such as endogamic marriages or kinship relationships. Individual attitudes result in various expressions of emotions (astonishment, admiration, terror, etc.), exclamations, proverbs, idioms and religious phrases being found in Egyptian dialect.