Document Type : Research

Authors

Abstract

         Despite numerous research conducted by Muslim scholars, the need to study the Quran in the framework of a linguistic theory makes itself felt more than any other time. The need becomes particularly important when considered in light of the fact that the necessary theoretical tool to research into texts of different types is made available by modern approaches such as structuralism and functional linguistics. The present study aims to investigate chapter 36 of the Quran in light of major concepts of Halliday's Functional grammar. To Halliday, grammar consists of the three components of transitivity, mood, and thematic structures responsible for fulfilling the ideational, interpersonal, and textual metafunctions of language respectively. Language, thus, through these structures serves to represent events, encode interpersonal relations and make a text. Research into the three structures in chapter 36 of the Quran, apart from revealing the strengths of such a theory in accounting for such a text, would present the text in question as consisting of a set of speech acts and dialogues all similar in the  mood structure.
 

Keywords

                                                                     
 - Abdul-Araof, Hussein (2003). “Conceptual and Textual Chaining in Qur’anic Discourse”. In: Journal of Quranic Studies. Vol. 5: 2.
- ---------------------------- (2005). “Textual Progression and Presentation Technique in Qur'anic Discourse: An Investigation of Richard Bell's Claims of 'Disjointedness' with Especial Reference to Q. 17-20”. In: Journal of Quranic Studies. Vol. 5: 2.
- ---------------------------- (2007). “On the Stylistic Variation in the Qur’anic Genre”. In: Journal of Semitic Studies. Vol. 52:1.
- Anderson, J. (1995). The Linguistic Encyclopedia. Edited by Kirsten Malmkjer. London: Oxford University Press.
- Aronoff, M. and J. R. Miller (2001). The Handbook of Linguistics. London: Blackwell.
- Eggins, S. (2004). An Introduction to Systemic Functional Grammar. New York: Continuun.
- El-Awa, Salwa, M. S. (2006). Textual Relations in the Quran. London: Routledge.
- Halliday, M. A. K. (1985). An Introduction to Functional Grammar. First edition. New York: Edward Arnold.
- ------------------------- (2002). On Grmmar. London: Continuum.
- Halliday, M. A. K. and Christian Matthiessen (2004). An Introduction to Functional Grammar. Third edition. London: Arnold.
- Halliday M. A. K. and R. Hassan (1976). Cohesion in English. Longman.
- Hasan, R. (1985). Linguistics, Language and Verbal Art. Oxford.
- Jakobson, R. (1987). Language in Literature. Jakobson Trust.
- Kress, G. R. (1976). Halliday: System and Function in Language. London: Oxford.
- Martín-Asensio, Gustavo (2000). Transitivity-Based Foregrounding in the Acts of the Apostles. Heffield: Sheffield Academic Press.
- Mir, M. (2000). Literary Structures of Religious Meaning in the Qur'ān. Edited by Issa J. Boullata. London: Routledge.
- Morley, D. (2000). Syntax in Functional Grammar: An Introduction to Lexicogrammar in Systemic Linguistics. London: Ccontinuum.
- Porter, Stanley E. and D. A. Carson (1999). Linguistics and the New Testament: Critical Junctures. Sheffield. Sheffield Academic Press.
- Robinson, N. (1996). Discovering the Quran: A Contemporary Approach to a Veiled Text. London: SCM Press.
- Sampson, G. (1980). Schools of Linguistics. London: Hutchinson.
- Thompson, G. (1997). Introducing Functional Grammar. London: Arnold.
- Webster, Jonathan J. (2009). An Introduction to Continuum Companion to Systemic Functional Linguistics in: Continuum Companion to Systemic Functional Linguistics. Editted by: M. A. K.  Halliday and J. Jonathan. Webster, London, Continuum.