Loanwords stress and intonation in Algerian Arabic

This paper deals with stress and intonation patterns of loanwords in Algerian Arabic and in particular in Algiers and Oran dialects. It shows that speakers always transferred the stress pattern of Algerian Arabic in borrowed words: the final syllable is stressed if it is the only heavy syllable in the word or if it is superheavy, otherwise stress is on the penultimate syllable. Intonation patterns are also transferred to loanwords in focus and polar questions. Focus is characterized in the Algiers dialect by a falling melodic contour occurring on the last syllable. In the Oran dialect, intonation is realized with a flat or slightly rising contour. In polar question Algiers speakers produce a rising-falling contour whereas the Oran speakers produce a rising melodic contour on the last syllable.