A Socio-Pragmatic Analysis of Male Prisoners’ Argot at Ain Tadles Penal Institution in Mostaganem

Abstract

The current study aims to conduct a socio-pragmatic analysis of male prisoners’ argot at Ain Tadles Penal Institution (ATPI) in Mostaganem. In fact, the study attempts to examine the symbolic meanings embedded in the argot used by prisoners at Mostaganem's Penal Institution. In addition, it aims to determine if the prisoners' argot is affectés by some social variables like age, région and years of detention. The study similarly intends to identify the multifaceted functions that argot words play in the communication and interactions among inmates at Mostaganem's Penal Institution. To meet the objectives of the study, a questionnaire including 38 questions was administered to 25 male prisoners of ATPI to trigger the argot they use in addition to its symbolic meaning. The yielded results were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings revealed that prisoners adopted several words and expressions and these enacted different pragmatic meanings. Correspondingly, the analysis established that argot is strongly used by prisoners in their daily life within the penal institution and the prisoners' argot actively contributes to the structuring and facilitation of social relations within the confines of the penal institution. As found less affected by age or region, argot words play a role as a hidden language for communication among ATPI’s inmates. These terms reflect institutional culture and regional dialects. Understanding these linguistic nuances ensures effective communication and rehabilitation strategies within correctional facilities.