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The Language of Shihuh | Dr. Maryam Al Marashda | TEDxAlBateen
TEDx Talks· 2025-11-07 15:59
Linguistic Diversity and Historical Context - The UAE exhibits significant linguistic diversity, with dialects varying across regions like the mountains of Risa and the coastal line of Da [1] - Dialectal variations, such as the shift between Hamza and, are not merely sound patterns but carry historical memories and cultural identity [1] - Historical documentation, including memoirs and archaeological finds, reveals the UAE's long history and its role in frankincense trade, maritime navigation, and human settlements [1] - The Shahi dialect, spoken by rbal settlers in rugged terrains, has preserved ancient linguistic characteristics due to geographical isolation [1] Unique Features of the Shahi Dialect - The Shahi dialect exhibits characteristics shared with South Semitic dialects, suggesting its formation from various Arabic dialects that stopped evolving [1] - Phonological uniqueness includes the pronunciation of as Hamza and a retroflex R, distinguishing it from neighboring dialects [2] - The dialect retains ancient words, such as meaning "something dirty," found in ancient dictionaries like the Sabbakic dictionary [2] - Negation patterns in the Shahi dialect differ from UAE dialects, with negative particles following the verb [2] Archaeological Evidence and Regional Significance - Archaeological finds in the UAE, such as the crescent cross in Serbani Yas Island, confirm historical and cultural connections with ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia [2] - Discoveries suggest the Gulf Oasis formed the southern tip of the fertile crescent from 774,000 BP to around 8,000 BP, highlighting the region's historical importance [3] - The UAE's values of coexistence and cultural openness are deeply rooted in its history, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries [3]