The Meanings and Functions of baṭra:n ‘Rich and Wasteful’ in Saudi Arabic: A Pragmatic Study

Abstract

This study investigates the various meanings of the discourse marker baṭra:n ‘rich and wasteful’ and how Saudi native speakers interpret it in Taif Spoken Arabic (TSA). The focus of this study is on the intended meaning of baṭra:n rather than its literal meaning as used in everyday exchanges among Saudi native speakers of TSA. Data were collected from 84 Saudi students. The findings of the study reveal that the intended meaning is dominant in all the scenarios discussed in this study. The study shows that baṭra:n is used to serve 13 diverse pragmatic functions, including extreme talent, perfect performance, completeness, enjoyment and pleasure, mesmerising qualities, physical strength and development, extreme wealth, luxury, excellence and uniqueness, exceptional beauty and allure, and admiration. The study highlights the significant role of the context in which the expression occurs in choosing the correct meaning.