Exploring the Barriers of the Linguistic Expression of Emotions from a Sociolinguistic Perspective: The Case of Ain Temouchent Speech Community

Abstract

Humans cannot navigate the world without emotions, for the latter constitute an integral part of the human nature. In fact, emotions are so complex that they affect humans’ state of being, thus direct and control their behaviour in a variety of ways depending on to the situation. Nevertheless, they are largely shaped by social norms and cultural beliefs, in addition to personal experiences. Moreover, emotional expression can take form in two different ways; it can be either verbal or non-verbal. The present research work, however, takes into account solely the verbal expression. It highlights the inability to verbally communicate one’s emotions as a central issue Algerian individuals (especially men) confront whenever having to make an emotional delivery which is, in turn, hampered by a set of barriers. The current study, therefore, aims at exploring and identifying the barriers to the linguistic expression of emotions that prevent a sound and plain interaction, thus may ultimately lead to complications on both the social and psychological levels. It strives to present a systematic view on the important role emotions play in human relations, and how their burial can cause issues on the psychology, behaviour and social engagement of individuals. Additionally, it seeks to provide adequate solutions that might serve as effective remedies to the problem under investigation. Furthermore, aiming to inspect the two research hypotheses previously formulated, the present research work has been accomplished through the adoption of the mixed methods approach and with reliance on the two major data gathering instruments namely the questionnaire and the structured interview. Ultimately, the results gathered from the study informants have revealed that Algerian Dignity and French colonialism are the major barriers to the linguistic expression of emotions and thus validating the formerly stated research hypotheses.