Jerash for Research and Studies Journal مجلة جرش للبحوث والدراسات
Abstract
The main objective of this research paper is to arrive at a full understanding of the principles of the "Tanween" in Arabic and to reveal the syntactic function which the Tanween performs. To understand this issue clearly the paper tries first to follow the existence of this linguistic phenomenon in the various semitic languages, especially the Akkadian. The paper explains that the function of the Tanween in Akkadian is to be a substitute for the genitive. The research paper also shows that this function has appeared in Arabic too. The nouns unidentified with (AL) appeared to need a genitive. If the Tanween is attached to the end of the noun, that noun will not need it. This issue indicated clearly by Al Khalil and Sibawayhi who said that the Tanween is only a substitute for the genitive. Therefore the assumption which says that the Tanween is a linguistic sign indicating the indefinite nouns in Arabic is proved to be wrong. This research paper has also tried to follow Sibawayhi's conception of the Tanween. It surveys his uses of the term in his book “AL Ketab”. it arrives at the conclusion that the Tanween is always affixed to the indefinite nouns. It does not accompany the definite nouns if it does, it comes as a substitute for genitive
Recommended Citation
Al-Muttalibi, Galb
(2002)
"Tanween phenomenon in Arabic: Origins and Function,"
Jerash for Research and Studies Journal مجلة جرش للبحوث والدراسات: Vol. 3:
Iss.
2, Article 1.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/jpu/vol3/iss2/1