Linguistic Features in the Linguistic Thought of Abdul Qahir al-Jurjani

(The Theory of Systems as a Model)

Abstract

This study introduces Abdul Qahir al-Jurjani's theory of systems. It defines systems, explains their concept, and their relationship to grammatical meanings. It highlights Abdul Qahir al-Jurjani's scholarly standing, the importance of systems theory and its pioneering role in linguistic and rhetorical studies, and identifies the most important linguistic features of Abdul Qahir al-Jurjani's linguistic thought. It compares al-Jurjani's findings with those of Western linguists such as de Saussure, Chomsky, John Lyons, John Merry, Werth, Croce, Richards, Coleridge, and others. It addresses numerous issues through analysis and study, and highlights the areas where Arab thought converges with modern linguistics. The study aims to reveal the importance and scientific value of systems theory and to highlight the linguistic features of Al-Jurjani's Arabic linguistic thought. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach and a comparative approach, as their mechanisms were appropriate to the subject of the study. The study reached a set of conclusions, perhaps the most important of which are the following: Arabic linguistic thought contained many linguistic issues, which were researched by Arab scholars and are now clearly evident in modern linguistic studies.  Systems theory contained many linguistic issues, which Al-Jurjani innovated with his unique genius. These issues are similar to modern linguistics in concept, differing only in name. Abdul-Qaher Al-Jurjani preceded many Western scholars in various disciplines, including de Saussure, Chomsky, John Lyons, John Merry, Wert, Croce, and others.