The Vocative Style Among Adolescents in Khamis Mushait Governorate: A Grammatical-Semantic Study

Abstract

This paper explores how adolescents in Khamis Mushait Governorate use the vocative form from both a grammatical and semantic perspective, characterizing it as a linguistic tool shaped by social and psychological influences. It examines the variety of ways vocative markers appear in daily conversation, including occasional departures from traditional grammatical norms—such as applying the vocative marker directly to definite nouns—while also highlighting the differences between male and female adolescents. Drawing on sociolinguistic principles and classical as well as contemporary linguistic sources, the study shows that adolescents use vocative forms as more than a grammatical feature, instead leveraging them to express endearment, call for assistance, convey lamentation or exclamation, and express both praise and criticism. Overall, these patterns underline the distinctive emotional and social dynamics of adolescence, underscoring the role of the vocative as a reflective mirror of young speakers’ interactions and developmental sensitivities.