The Concept of Arabic Linguistics According to Ibn Jinni

Abstract

Purpose –Ibn Jinni is one of the prominent figures in the Arabic linguistic tradition who introduced innovative concepts in phonology, morphology, and syntax. This study aims to comprehensively analyze Ibn Jinni’s linguistic concepts, uncover their relevance to modern linguistic developments, and evaluate his contributions to the classical Arabic intellectual tradition. Design/methods/approach – The research employs a library research method, analyzing Ibn Jinni’s major works, such as Al-Khaṣāʾiṣ and Sirr Ṣināʿah al-Iʿrāb, and comparing them with modern linguistic theories and previous studies. Findings – The findings reveal that Ibn Jinni integrated formal, semantic, and social aspects in his examination of the Arabic language. In phonology, he emphasized the relationship between sounds and meanings; in morphology, he highlighted the systematic nature of roots and patterns; and in syntax, he connected linguistic structures with pragmatic contexts. This study also finds that Ibn Jinni’s views are relevant to modern theories, such as iconicity in phonology and functional approaches in linguistics. Research implications/limitations – The implications of this study emphasize the importance of revisiting the intellectual heritage of classical Islamic scholars as an alternative perspective in modern linguistics. However, the study is limited by its focus on Ibn Jinni’s works without broader comparisons to other classical Arabic scholars. Originality/value – The originality of this research lies in highlighting the relevance of Ibn Jinni’s concepts to contemporary linguistic developments, enriching cross-temporal scholarly discourse.