Appellatifs et relations interpersonnelles en arabe saoudien et tunisien: variations culturelles

Abstract

Appellatives, terms of address used when “calling” someone, can take the form of proper names or common names that designate an individual or a group and are often loaded with meaning. They can be positive or disparaging, affectionate or “disaffected,” respectful or disrespectful, friendly or unfriendly. However, their use (both in the Saudi and Tunisian dialects) is neither innocent nor fortuitous: it is linked to a speaker’s communicative intention and underpinned by an aim. Therefore, use of appellatives can have an impact on the interlocutor and on interpersonal relationships.