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Numerals in Standard Arabic and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic: A Comparative Study

Research Department
Research Journal
Bulletin of the Faculty of Arts, Assiut University
Research Publisher
Assiut University Press
Research Rank
2
Research Vol
4
Research Year
2000
Research_Pages
149-183
Research Abstract

This paper offers a comparative study of the numerical system in Standard Arabic and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic. It aims to show the correspondences and divergences between the two varieties in relation to the phonology, morphology, and agreement properties of numerals. Arabic numerals are grouped into four classes: cardinals, ordinals, compound numerals and fractions. Each class is treated in a separate section. The paper shows how Egyptian Colloquial Arabic exhibits a simplified system of numerals in contrast to the complexity of numeral formation in Standard Arabic. In addition to the loss of case markers, the colloquial system is largely free from the gender distinction which is connected with the numbered noun.