Browse Tag
سيبويه
10 posts
Sibawayhi (سيبويه): A renowned Persian grammarian of the Arabic language, Sibawayhi (c. 760–796) is best known for his seminal work, “Al-Kitab” (The Book), which laid the foundation for Arabic grammar. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the study and understanding of the Arabic language.
Why Is كَأَنَّ a Sister of إِنَّ but لِأَنَّ Is Not?
This article delves into a fascinating Arabic grammar question: Why do classical grammarians list كَأَنَّ as a sister of إِنَّ, but not بِأَنَّ or لِأَنَّ? We explore the nature of the particle كَ, analyze common use cases, and examine examples from the Qur'an and classical poetry to find answers and invite further discussion.
The Qur’an Revisited: Salsabil (سَلْسَبِيل) in Sura 76:17-18
The Qur'an is full of fascinating words, and "Salsabil" (سَلْسَبِيل) is one of them. Appearing only once in Sura 76:18, this article explores its mysterious origins, diverse interpretations, and the intriguing grammatical debate surrounding its form, including its connection to diptotes and rhyme in the Holy Book.
The Number 8 in Arabic: Grammar and Spelling
The number 8 in Arabic is tricky! This article breaks down its special grammatical rules, including why the masculine form is unique, how to correctly use 18, and why 800 often sounds the same. Master this challenging area of Arabic numbers.
A Guide to Arabic Collective Nouns and Plurals (اسم الجنس)
The Arabic plural has many subtleties, including special collective forms. This article explains different plural categories and then focuses on collective nouns, like those for "camel." It also clarifies agreement rules in Arabic and compares them to English collective noun usage.
Who Was Sibawayhi? Meet the Persian Scholar Who Defined Arabic Grammar
"Al-Kitaab" is more than a textbook; it's Sibawayhi's monumental Arabic grammar. This article explores the life of the brilliant Persian grammarian and his enduring contribution to Arabic linguistic science.
Nunation (Tanween) Is Not Just an Indefinite Article: The True Role of تنوين Explained
This article explores the deeper meaning of Arabic nunation (تنوين), as defined by Sibawayhi's concept of "firm establishment." It explains nunation's role in case inflections, its presence in proper nouns, absence in diptotes, and behavior in Idafa constructions.
Arabic Nunation (تَنْوِينٌ): Its Origin and Deeper Grammatical Idea
This article delves into the origin and core idea of Arabic nunation (تَنْوِينٌ). It explains why this pronounced-but-unwritten "n" ending is more than just an indefinite marker, analyzing Sibawayhi's "light" and "heavy" word concepts.
The 5 Greatest Arabic Grammarians of the Classical Era
This subjective list ranks the top five Arabic grammarians from the classical Islamic era. It covers giants like Sibawayhi (al-Kitab) and Ibn Mansur (Lisan al-Arab), detailing their pivotal roles in shaping Arabic grammar and lexicography.
Best Arabic Grammar Books: From Beginner to Advanced
A curated list of indispensable Arabic grammar books, drawing from years of intensive study. This selection covers Nahw, Sarf, and various dialects, providing vital resources for Arabic learners.
The Question of the Wasp: The Legendary Arabic Grammar Debate That Ended in Tragedy
The "Question of the Wasp" (المسألة الزنبورية) details one of the most famous grammar disputes in Arabic history, involving the esteemed grammarians Sibawayhi and al-Kisa'i. This article dissects their debate over the correct case (nominative or accusative) of a pronoun in a specific sentence, showcasing the depth and complexity of classical Arabic linguistic analysis.
