Grammatical Linguistic Analysis of Al-Mutanabbi’s Poetic discourse (Case Study: Study of the Poet’s ode ‘Mimieh’ in Praise of Seif al-Dawlah)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Abdolvahid Navidi

Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/jall.2025.89508.1455

Abstract

Critical studies play a pivotal role in the analysis of both poetic and prose texts. Among the most significant contemporary approaches is textual linguistics, which provides a foundational framework for examining discourse coherence. This theory enables the assessment of discourse effectiveness and dynamism, helps construct the world of poetic expression, and establishes boundaries for exploring the universe of texts. Accordingly, this study adopts a descriptive-analytical method, drawing on the theory of textual coherence to analyze the structure and discourse perspective in one of Al-Mutanabbi’s poems praising Seif al-Dawlah. The research focuses on investigating the formal and grammatical linkages within the text. Grounded in the significance of applying this theoretical framework, the study seeks to offer a new interpretation of this classical poetic composition. This endeavor aims to elucidate the linguistic mechanisms that underpin the cohesion and coherence of the poem, thereby contributing to contemporary critical discourse and invigorating methodologies for engaging with the Arab poetic heritage. One of the key findings is the prominent presence of referential elements in the poem. These elements, especially pronominal references to both Seif al-Dawlah and Al-Mutanabbi, are used more extensively than other cohesive devices. This aligns with the encomiastic theme of the poem. The varied use of pronouns-attached, detached, and implied-prevents monotony and enhances textual cohesion. Internal pronominal references further strengthen the unity of the poem, while external references consistently point to Seif al-Dawlah and the poet. Furthermore, demonstratives, relative pronouns, and comparative expressions serve as contributors to the poem's continuity, albeit to a lesser extent than pronouns. Ellipsis also emerges as a significant stylistic device, facilitating brevity, linguistic economy, and reader engagement through the reconstruction of omitted elements.
 
 
 

Keywords

Al-Mutanabbi

Seif al-Dawlah

Grammatical Coherence

Textual Analysis

Poetic Discourse

Subjects

• Linguistics

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