Within the Language and Religion: Manifestations and Interpretation research group, student researchers are deeply engaged in exploring the intersection of religious language and vernacular speech. Their investigations focus on various religious formulas used in everyday communication, such as prayers, blessings, and invocations, examining how these expressions are adapted, transformed, or maintained in vernacular forms across different communities. Students also delve into the role of religious discourse in specific cultural contexts, particularly in Dharma traditions, where language plays a pivotal role in spiritual instruction and practice. By analyzing the ways in which these religious formulas manifest in spoken language, students uncover the dynamic relationships between faith, culture, and language. Their research not only enriches our understanding of how religious language functions within local communities but also contributes to the broader field of linguistic anthropology, offering fresh insights into the lived experiences of faith through the lens of everyday speech.
Ongoing MA theses:
Hiba Hammash's ongoing MA thesis, supervised by Dr. Marwan Jarrah, explores the communicative functions of religious formulas in Arabic radio shows. The research titled with 'The communicative functions of religious formulas in Arabic radio shows. MA thesis (In progress). Supervisor: Marwan Jarrah' examines how religious expressions, such as invocations, prayers, and blessings, are incorporated into broadcast content to influence the relationship between the speaker and the audience. By analyzing the linguistic and rhetorical patterns of these religious formulas, Hammash investigates how they serve not only as spiritual expressions but also as tools for communication, persuasion, and reinforcing cultural identity. The study highlights how religious language helps establish a sense of community, provides moral guidance, and strengthens connections to broader religious and social values in the media context. Through this thesis, Hammash offers valuable insights into the role of religious discourse in public communication within contemporary Arabic-speaking societies.
Hiba Qoqazeh's ongoing MA thesis, supervised by Dr. Marwan Jarrah, focuses on the social use of Urban Ammani Arabic by adult male speakers in the Amman metropolitan area. The research examines how this distinct variety of Arabic is employed in everyday communication, exploring its role in shaping social identity, group membership, and interactions within different contexts. By analyzing patterns of language use among adult men in Amman, Qoqazeh aims to understand how factors such as social class, education, and cultural norms influence the way Urban Ammani Arabic is spoken and perceived. This study sheds light on the relationship between language and social dynamics in a rapidly urbanizing society, offering insights into how linguistic practices reflect and reinforce social structures in the Amman metropolitan area.