On the Speech Acts of Dog-Related Proverbs in Jordanian Arabic

Abstract

This study examines the speech acts of dog-related proverbs in Jordanian Arabic through the lens of the Speech Act Theory. To this end, the researchers compiled an initial list of situations that include dog-related proverbs based on their exposure to them and their familiarity with the contexts of the proverbs in Jordanian society. They then identified the illocutionary force and illocutionary act performed by each dog proverb in each situation. The identified illocutionary forces were subjected to a validation process by two Arabic professors who suggested amendments to certain situations and functions. The revised version was further tested for acceptability through the linguistic intuition of 50 native Jordanian speakers. The analysis revealed that Jordanian dog-related proverbs fall under four speech acts: expressives, commissives, directives, and representatives. It also revealed that they perform ten illocutionary forces, namely criticizing, scolding, scorning, insulting, ridiculing, expressing disappointment, threatening, advising, warning, and asserting. The study concluded that dog-related proverbs in Jordanian Arabic are predominantly used for negative rather than positive functions.