ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the proposed theoretical framework in light of the delineation of variation presented in Chapter 3. It draws upon previously discussed concepts and frameworks for Arabic writing, and in particular variation in Arabic writing, using existing terminology wherever feasible to maintain continuity between previous concepts and those presented in this framework, rather than deviating from previously established literature in the field. However, new terminology is presented where there is sufficient difference between the styles in this framework compared with previous literature. The seven writing styles are labelled: Classical Arabic, Middle Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, Intermediate Arabic, Lower Intermediate Arabic, Colloquial Written Arabic and Chat-Speak. Each style is defined in this chapter, and the framework is applied to examples of contemporary writing online in Chapter 5 and in print in Chapter 6.
