The Social Aspects of the Language Varieties in the Contemporary Omani Society: A Sociolinguistic Study

Abstract

TThis paper discusses the social aspects of the language varieties in the contemporary Omani society as a critical dimension of this society, as a means of acquiring social behavior and as a symbol of the Omani social identity. The study underscores the importance of this diversity in contemporary society and its relationship with culture, thought and behavior. The paper gives an overview of the various aspects of this phenomenon and the interrelationship between these social aspects on the one hand and between them and the society on the other hand. The paper also discusses some common sociolinguistic terms and concepts which are used to describe the language varieties in Oman and the interrelationships between them. .