Grammar: Between Criticism and Dissipation

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

This research is based on the demolition and dispersal of Arabic grammar.
Arabic grammar was attacked by many cruel claims over the ages, especially by Andalusian linguists who follow the Ẓāhirī school of though. They were led by Ibn Maḍā Al-Qurtubi who passed away in 582 AH after calling for the termination of the “effector theory”. The research revealed that the first to call for the termination is Ibn Jini who passed away in 392 AH. However, Ibn Madā’s aggressiveness in his book, Replying to Grammarians, lead to crediting him for the movement and his fame between scholars. Dr. Shawqi Dhaif was very inspired after translating the book and, consequently, published two books calling for the renovation and simplification of Arabic grammar.
The researcher successfully portrayed the opinions of those who call for the omission, combination of grammar rules in the guise of development and renovation.
The researcher also conducted a survey in a major educational institution to find reasons explaining why Arabic-speakers refuse to speak classical Arabic-rather than local dialects- and why Arabic grammar, specifically, is abandoned. Results proved that 67% of the participants find Arabic grammar the hardest aspect in the Arabic language and blame their teachers for their inability to deliver the rules in an easily comprehensible approach. Other responders claim that Arabic is useless in our modern world and therefore they do not need to learn its grammar.
The research revealed more reasons and consequences which he addressed before calling for the salvation of Arabic grammar to prevent the extinction of the language as a whole. The researcher claims it is its carefully crafted grammar rules that helped it prosper for almost 15 centuries. He hopes the language will reign till the end of time as Allah (SWT) promised to protect the Qur’an which honoured the Arabic Language. 

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