Ibn-Jinnī’s Justifications for the Omissions in Sibaweh's Book

Authors

Sayel Al-Hawawsheh, Applied Science Private University - JordanFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.35192/jjoas-h.v25i2.8

Abstract

This study aimed to reveal Ibn al-Jinnī's approach in defending Sibawayh against overlooking certain linguistic structures. Such omissions were pointed out by some grammarians, like Ibn al-Sarrāj, which led Ibn al-Jinnī to view them as a derogation of Sibawayh’s efforts in the book. He responded by trying to find reasons to counter those who attacked and undermined Sibawayh, according to his understanding. The reactions of grammarians, linguists, and lexicographers were often similar regarding many examples that Sibawayh overlooked, whether in approval or rejection, as this study will explain. The omissions identified by Ibn al-Jinnī were categorized according to their sources. The study then examined Ibn al-Jinnī’s evidence, as documented in his book Al-Khaṣā’is, and summarized the evidence that Ibn al-Jinnī used but did not explicitly mention. All this information was scrutinized, critiqued, and compared to assess the strength of the evidence. The study demonstrated that early grammarians often overlooked the fact that linguistic structures evolve and change a natural development influenced by many factors. Therefore, early grammarians scrutinized Sibawayh’s and others’ works, searching for overlooked structures as if they were trying to discover precious knowledge. Had they devoted their time and effort to more important matters, it would have been more beneficial and appropriate.

Recommended Citation

Al-Hawawsheh, Sayel (2020) "Ibn-Jinnī’s Justifications for the Omissions in Sibaweh's Book," Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series: Vol. 25: Iss. 2, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35192/jjoas-h.v25i2.8
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/jjoas-h/vol25/iss2/8