SU’UBAT AL-ISHTIQAQ LADA MUTA’ALIMI AL-‘ARABIYYAH MIN GHAYR AL-NATIQIN BI-HA WA-ATHARUHA FI AL-INTAJ AL-LUGHAWI [DIFFICULTIES OF DERIVATION AMONG LEARNERS OF ARABIC AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND THEIR IMPACT ON LANGUAGE PRODUCTION]

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines the difficulties faced by students and learners of Arabic as a foreign language in mastering the Arabic derivational system, which is considered one of the most complex and, at the same time, richest linguistic systems in Arabic. The research is based on a field observation that many learners, despite possessing a considerable Arabic vocabulary, are unable—during speaking or writing—to generate nominal and verbal derivatives from the same root, nor are they able to employ them correctly within spoken or written contexts. The derivational system constitutes a fundamental component of the Arabic language structure, as the accuracy of meaning and precision of expression cannot be achieved without mastering it. Neglecting this system leads to disruption in linguistic performance and ambiguity in meaning, which negatively affects learners’ spoken and written language production. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the difficulties encountered by non-native learners of Arabic in both nominal and verbal derivation and to analyse the impact of these difficulties on their linguistic performance and written and oral production. The researcher adopted a descriptive-analytical approach by conducting a linguistic analysis of the derivational difficulties faced by non-native learners of Arabic, in addition to classroom observation of students during the learning process and during their spoken and written language production. The findings of the study reveal that learners of Arabic experience significant difficulty in generating correct Arabic derivatives from the same root and selecting them appropriately within spoken or written contexts, and that they fail to employ them accurately.