Cypriot Arabic: Language Contact and Linguistic Deviations from Mainstream Arabic Norms

I was fascinated when came to know that there is “Arabic” spoken in Cyprus, which aroused several questions me as how this language into existence, it now, what changes its linguistic modules take place due contact with other languages, status now is, etc. This article, thus, aims investigate these questions, focusing mainly on Cypriot Arabic (CyA) deviates from Mainstream (MA) varieties all a result of the dominant language, i.e. Greek. Specifically, CyA modules: phonology, morphology, syntax and lexicon leads deviations norms. Language decay death are also investigated. dialect having evolved purely oral (unwritten) variety isolation any written or after twelfth century. It by Maronite Cypriots who have immigrated mostly Syria Lebanon Cyprus inhabited Kormakiti(s) village until Turkish invasion northern part Island 1974 (Borg, 1985; inter alia). The main has (Cypriot) In paper, employ comparative analytic approaches phenomena under study. Findings indicate severely endangered hence should urgently be documented revitalized. Thus, research, best my knowledge, first conducted linguist native speaker (with little knowledge Greek), here lies significance. provides reliable investigation contributes existing body literature variety.