Structural and Semantic Models of Forms of Address in Arabic and English

Abstract

Forms of address represent a complex linguistic phenomenon situated at the intersection of lexis, grammar, and semantics. This article examines the structural and semantic models of address forms in Arabic and English through a comparative lens. The study aims to identify dominant lexical types, grammatical patterns, and semantic mechanisms that shape address systems in both languages. The analysis demonstrates that Arabic exhibits a structurally layered and semantically marked address system characterized by lexical richness and grammatical explicitness, while English relies on structurally economical but pragmatically flexible models. The findings reveal that differences between the two languages are not merely formal but reflect distinct conceptualizations of social relations and interpersonal positioning.