Modern Linguistics in Contemporary Studies of the Arabic Language

Abstract

Contemporary Arabic linguists differ in terms of including the Classical Arabic language (CAL) tradition and linguistics in their studies. Assuming that there are two different thought systems with different assumptions regarding existence and knowledge, we can categorize these various studies under the following three categories: (1) studies that examine Arabic through linguistics, (2) studies that examine Arabic through CAL sciences, and (3) studies examining Arabic using both language approaches. The aim of this study is to reveal the existence of the first category. Due to the limitations of the study, only the first category has been focused. Studies of the first category are examined under four subheadings: (1) Studies introducing linguistics to the Arab world, (2) studies in theoretical linguistics, (3) studies in other linguistic fields such as applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, and (4) Arabic linguistic journals. In conclusion, these linguists’ preference of linguistics over CAL tradition is justified with their acceptance of scientific progress as cumulative, continuous, and linear. In addition, it is noticed that these linguists did not completely ignore the CAL tradition. Accordingly, it is discussed that the possible reasons for this may be the aim of building a bridge between the Arabic reader and linguistics, since the CAL tradition has a rich background and is still influential in the Arab world.