ABSTRACT
This chapter examines four main interrelated topics: the sociolinguistic landscape of digital media; the sociolinguistic changes induced by the new technologies; the effects of the new media on Arabic speakers' language attitudes and identities; and the functional distribution of Standard Arabic (SA), Colloquial Arabic (QA), and English on social media. The study of the sociolinguistic aspects of online communications informs people about the current sociolinguistic situation in the Arab societies and the relationship between online and offline language use. The chapter concerns the evolution of information and communication technologies and the circumstances surrounding their introduction into the Arab region. It also examines the impact of the spread of digital media on Arabic speakers' language practices online and their extended effects on their language behaviour offline. The spread of English, English-scripted Arabic, and QA has been perceived as a threat to the link between SA and Arab identity, which has prompted a number of sporadic initiatives across the Arab region.
