Exploring the evolution of functional linguistics: linking Arabic theoretical linguistics with modern linguistics

Abstract

The objective of this research is to establish a connection between Arabic theoretical linguistics and modern linguistics, taking a different approach from the common assumption that later theories are solely attributed to Arab grammarians and rhetoricians. To achieve this, the study will examine Arab linguistic achievements from a modern perspective and highlight commonalities and differences between past and present linguistic theories. Additionally, the research will delve into the Arab understanding of functional grammar and the significant contributions made by ancient grammarians in this area, while also reviewing the evolution of functional theory in the West from its inception until its final formulation . Furthermore, this study will undertake an analytical review of the most significant theories that emerged after Jakobson, to identify gaps and opportunities for further development. The research findings reveal that modern linguists continue to evolve their theories, in contrast to the stunted evolution of Arab heritage due to a reverence for tradition and fear of change. As a result, the research calls for the development of early Arab linguists, whose contributions served as the foundation for language theories in general and linguistics in particular.

Keywords:

• Functional linguistics, grammar
• linguistic message, sentence
• syntax
• literature review, meta-analysis, identity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

Researchers would like to thank the Deanship of Scientific Research, Qassim University for funding publication of this project.

Notes on contributors

Albatool Abalkheel

Albatool Abalkheel is an Associate Professor of Linguistics at the Department of English Language and Translation, College of Arabic Language and Social Studies, Qassim University, Buraydah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. She received her MA degree in English from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO., USA. She then received her Ph.D. from Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA. She published several papers related to linguistics and presented some papers in conferences.

Maha Sourani

Maha Sourani is a Professor of applied linguistics and educational technology with 10+ years of experience in higher education at the Lebanese University. Examiner of paper rank promotions, mentor, and reviewer for Ph.D. and MA dissertations. Coordinator and curriculum developer for under/graduate courses in the field. Editor and reviewer for many local and international peer-reviewed journals. Interested in MOOC, educational foundation and administration, artificial intelligence, curriculum and instruction, computational/socio/psycho/applied linguistics, language acquisition, morphology, language assessment, CALL, TEFL, EAP, and TESOL.