On the verge of extinction: the semantics, pragmatics, and etymology of eight endangered similes in Jish Arabic

Abstract This study has aimed (1) to look into the meaning and origin of eight similes used by older, but not by younger, native speakers of Jish Arabic and (2) to explicate their meanings using simple, universal human concepts. It is hypothesized that, with the passage of time, these similes will go extinct. That is, not only will they stop being used, but they will also not be recognized by native Jish Arabic speakers. Thus, by discussing their meaning and etymology, these similes can be preserved in writing, especially as Jish Arabic does not have any written records. By explicating them using simple, universal language, their meaning will be accessible to cultural outsiders.