Classical Arabic Lexicographical Tradition as a Part of Language Policy (case study: Ibn Manzur's "Lisān al-‘arab")

Abstract

The Classical Arabic lexicographical tradition with its considerable diversity spanning a vast number of onomasiological or semasiological lexica demonstrates the continuous development of the tradition among the Arabs. However, in addition to its discipline-specific features, it is of particular interest to examine the historical context and linguistic circumstances in which classical Arabic dictionaries were compiled. Specifically, whether the language situation influenced the direction of lexicographical endeavors and to what extent did Arabic dictionaries contributed to the implementation of a specific, in the modern sense, language policy.

To investigate this, one of the most notable dictionaries of the Arabic lexicographical tradition, Ibn Manzur's "Lisān al-‘arab" (‘The Language of the Arabs’) will be examined, with particular emphasis on its introductory part in a light of the historical/social context and language situation in which the dictionary was compiled.

The author's introduction accompanies almost all major classical Arabic dictionaries, except the cases when the introduction has not reached to us (e.g., Al-Shaybani's „Kitāb al-jīm“). In general, the authors’ introductory parts in the Arabic lexicographical tradition primarily focus on outlining the structure of the dictionary, a characteristic most notably evident in the first dictionary of the Arabic lexicographical tradition, Al-Khalil's “Kitāb al-‘ayn”. However, in later periods, alongside the discussion of the structure of the dictionary, there was an increasing emphasis on the language situation prevailing at the time of its compilation. This shift enables us, to some extent to regard dictionaries as a certain, in the modern sense, instrument for language policy implementation. It is in this context that the introduction of “Lisān al-‘arab” becomes particularly significant, as it offers an opportunity to examine the extent to which the language situation was reflected in the lexicographer's work and whether it can be considered part of a broader language policy.

Ibn Manzur (1233–1311), the author of “Lisān al-‘arab” expressed his concern over the decline of the Arabic language. This period is characterized by a recurring portrayal of the decadent state of the language. For instance, Ibn Battuta, visiting Basra in 1327, described hearing a preacher committed serious grammatical mistakes while delivering his sermon. When he informed the qadi of the incident, the qadi answered: “In this town there is not one left who knows anything about grammar.” Basra, where the mastery of grammar reached its height, had no preacher capable of speaking Arabic without breaking grammatical rules (Cheijne 1969: 82-83).

The aforementioned language situation was itself a consequence of broader historical and social developments. Over time, the Arabic language gradually declined and lost its prestige and power. Consequently, before delving into the introduction of “Lisān al-‘arab” it is essential to provide a brief overview of the historical and social context, the linguistic environment, and the language policies implemented in response to these circumstances from the establishment of the Caliphate to the period during which “Lisān al-‘arab” (completed in 1290) was compiled.

The present paper will attempt to answer the following questions:

1. a) How did historical/social context affect early Arabic linguistic activities? Can it be considered part of a language policy?
2. b) Lexicographer as the implementer of language policy – in what historical/social and linguistic situation and for what purpose did the author compile “Lisān al-‘arab”?

By answering these questions, the paper will contextualize “Lisān al-‘arab” within the broader history of Arabic linguistic activities and examine how lexicographical work can be a part of  language policy.