The Pragmatic Functions of Xalasˁ in Jordanian Spoken Arabic

Abstract

This study aims to identify and classify the pragmatic functions of the discourse marker Xalasˁ  (literally "enough") in Jordanian Spoken Arabic (henceforth JSA), a frequently used yet underexamined linguistic element. Despite its high frequency and wide functional range in everyday communication, Xalasˁ  remains largely unexplored in existing research, which has primarily focused on other Jordanian discourse markers. The data for the present study were gathered through a mini-questionnaire, an extended questionnaire, and an acceptability judgment task, all validated by experts to ensure content and face validity. The findings reveal that Xalasˁ  serves 14 distinct pragmatic functions, namely expressing approval, signaling the end of an action, ending a conversation, expressing reassurance, disapproval, anger, relief, surrender, understanding, ridicule, boredom, jealousy, fear, and attention-getting. However, these functions vary in frequency and acceptability across different speakers of Jordanian Arabic. The study concludes that Xalasˁ  is a multifunctional discourse marker whose usage is highly context-dependent. The results hold significant implications for Arabic language instruction and intercultural communication. As the focus of this study is on JSA, future research may examine the pragmatic functions of Xalasˁ  in other Arabic dialects (e.g., Syrian, Iraqi, and Egyptian) and investigate the role of non-verbal cues in shaping its pragmatic functions.