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By Hamza Tzortzis
hamza.tzortzis@theinimitablequran.com
It has been discussed on this site that Grammatical Shifts and Related Features
are effective linguistic and rhetorical devices. Another example in the Qur'an is
the placement of a singular word while intending the plural, or as in some cases
deviating from 'normal' usage for an increase in psychological effect.
The following verses from the Qur'an exhibit this feature,
"O mankind! if ye are in doubt concerning the Resurrection, then lo! We have
created you from dust, then from a drop of seed, then from a clot, then from a
little lump of flesh shapely and shapeless, that We may make (it) clear for you.
And We cause what We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed time, and
afterward We bring you forth as an infant..."
Qur'an 22:5
Ya ayyuha alnnasu in kuntum fee raybin mina albaAAthi fa-inna khalaqnakum
min turabin thumma min nutfatin thumma min AAalaqatin thumma min
mudghatin mukhallaqatin waghayri mukhallaqatin linubayyina lakum wanuqirru
fee al-arhami ma nashao ila ajalin musamman thumma nukhrijukum tiflan
thumma litablughoo ashuddakum waminkum man yutawaffa waminkum man
yuraddu ila arthali alAAumuri likayla yaAAlama min baAAdi AAilmin shay-an
watara al-arda hamidatan fa-itha anzalna AAalayha almaa ihtazzat warabat
waanbatat min kulli zawjin baheejin
The unexpected shift to the singular word 'an infant' constitutes a flouting of the
norm of reference. The previous words and constructions promote the use of the
plural word for infant. However, the shift carries the powerful effect that attracts
attention to the important purpose. Ibn Jinni viewed the rhetorical benefit in
placing the singular in the position of the plural as an intention to show
contempt and humiliation. It is also said that using the singular form stands for
the human race.
To expand on the rhetorical effect of this flouting of the norm, it can be clearly
understood that when speaking to an audience one feels less effected by the use
of language to express contempt or any other similar emotion. However when
one is addressed personally the effect is greater, especially when the shift is from
addressing the masses to specifically addressing the singular.
The singular word 'infant' can also have plural use. Abu Ubayda in his book
Majaz al-Qur'an reports "The Arabs utter (use) the singular word and intend the
plural..."
Bibliography
Abu Ubayda. Majaz al-Qur'an.
Ibn Jinni. Al Muhtasib.
Al-Mubarrad. Al-Kamil fi al-lugha wa al-adab.
By Hamza Tzortzis
hamza.tzortzis@theinimitablequran.com
It has been discussed on this site that Grammatical Shifts and Related Features
are effective linguistic and rhetorical devices. Another example in the Qur'an is
the placement of a singular word while intending the plural, or as in some cases
deviating from 'normal' usage for an increase in psychological effect.
The following verses from the Qur'an exhibit this feature,
"O mankind! if ye are in doubt concerning the Resurrection, then lo! We have
created you from dust, then from a drop of seed, then from a clot, then from a
little lump of flesh shapely and shapeless, that We may make (it) clear for you.
And We cause what We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed time, and
afterward We bring you forth as an infant..."
Qur'an 22:5
Ya ayyuha alnnasu in kuntum fee raybin mina albaAAthi fa-inna khalaqnakum
min turabin thumma min nutfatin thumma min AAalaqatin thumma min
mudghatin mukhallaqatin waghayri mukhallaqatin linubayyina lakum wanuqirru
fee al-arhami ma nashao ila ajalin musamman thumma nukhrijukum tiflan
thumma litablughoo ashuddakum waminkum man yutawaffa waminkum man
yuraddu ila arthali alAAumuri likayla yaAAlama min baAAdi AAilmin shay-an
watara al-arda hamidatan fa-itha anzalna AAalayha almaa ihtazzat warabat
waanbatat min kulli zawjin baheejin
The unexpected shift to the singular word 'an infant' constitutes a flouting of the
norm of reference. The previous words and constructions promote the use of the
plural word for infant. However, the shift carries the powerful effect that attracts
attention to the important purpose. Ibn Jinni viewed the rhetorical benefit in
placing the singular in the position of the plural as an intention to show
contempt and humiliation. It is also said that using the singular form stands for
the human race.
To expand on the rhetorical effect of this flouting of the norm, it can be clearly
understood that when speaking to an audience one feels less effected by the use
of language to express contempt or any other similar emotion. However when
one is addressed personally the effect is greater, especially when the shift is from
addressing the masses to specifically addressing the singular.
The singular word 'infant' can also have plural use. Abu Ubayda in his book
Majaz al-Qur'an reports "The Arabs utter (use) the singular word and intend the
plural..."
Bibliography
Abu Ubayda. Majaz al-Qur'an.
Ibn Jinni. Al Muhtasib.
Al-Mubarrad. Al-Kamil fi al-lugha wa al-adab.