The art of eloquence lies at the intersection of grammar and rhetoric, two essential pillars of effective communication. To fully appreciate the splendor and persuasive power of the Qurʿān, as well as its rich rhetorical tradition, a solid understanding of Arabic Rhetoric is essential.
This course provides an introduction to the three main disciplines of Arabic Rhetoric: ‘Ilm al-Ma‘ānī (Word Order) - a field of study that focuses on the syntax of meaning, exploring the ways in which word placement and sentence structure affect the interpretation of a text.
‘Ilm al-Bayān (Figures of Speech) - a discipline that deals with the use of language in a figurative or non-literal sense, including the exploration of allegories, allusions, and other rhetorical devices that can enrich a text.
‘Ilm al-Badī‘ (Embellishments) - an area of study that explores how to add beauty and flair to language, with a particular focus on the use of decorative vocabulary and creative semantics to enhance the impact of speech.
This course is based on the book al-Balāghah written by Habīb ‘Umar al-Kāf. By the end of this course, students will have a foundational understanding of this essential field of study, gain a deeper understanding of the Arabic Language, and be able to analyze and appreciate the rhetorical devices used in the Qurʿān.
Perquisites: Students should have a foundational understanding of Arabic grammar, ideally having studied one to two introductory works. This will provide the necessary background knowledge to fully engage with the material and concepts covered in the course.
Course Objectives: • Understand how Balāghah developed and its importance in the Arabic language. • Define and explain the concept of faṣāḥah in Arabic. • Define and explain the concept of balāghah in Arabic. • Recognize and analyze different styles of expression in Arabic. • Explore the sub-disciplines of Arabic Rhetoric and their contribution to effective communication. • Analyze the language style and features of the Qurʿān.
