The Arabic Text in the 'Ayn 'Avdat Inscription: From the Question of Type to the Question of Competence

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Arabic for Non-Native Speakers Center, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University (Jordan)

2 Associate Professor, ANNS, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University(Egypt)

Abstract

This study examines the 'Ayn 'Avdat inscription as one of the significant Nabataean inscriptions that reflect the dynamic linguistic interaction between Nabataean and Arabic. The research focused on the Arabic phrase embedded within the inscription and its alignment with the characteristics of traditional Arabic poetry. The study highlighted the debate surrounding the classification of the text as either poetic or prose, using prosodic analysis to emphasize its weak consistency with conventional poetic meters, while suggesting its potential as a prototype of early Arabic poetry.
The research explored the semantic functions of the text, emphasizing the role of the self, "Jurm Allah," in reinforcing the ideological context of the inscription through textual paradoxes that challenge traditional frameworks. Additionally, it examined linguistic intertextuality between Nabataean and Arabic texts, showcasing how it was employed to enrich meaning and enhance the functional value of the inscription.
The study concludes by stressing the importance of re-evaluating historical texts with methodological flexibility that transcends traditional frameworks. It calls for employing multiple analytical tools to study the interaction between texts written in different languages within diverse temporal and cultural contexts. The study recommends further comparative analysis of similar inscriptions and expanding research to explore new dimensions of intertextuality and textual systems.

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References

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