التجديد في الدراسات اللغويّة العربيّة في القرن التاسع عشر

Abstract

This paper aims to study the emergence of tajdīd (modernization, renewal) in Arabic linguistics. The research focuses on the time period between the late 18th century and the beginning of the 20th century, a time that corresponds to the popularization of evolution studies in Europe in the sciences generally, and particularly in linguistics. I examine the features of the linguistics scene in the 19th century, looking for possible characteristics of a tajdīd movement on both the technical-theoretical and the practical-procedural levels. Indeed, the 19th century witnessed a period of openness to Western influence, a multi-faceted intellectual movement that has come to be known as the Nahḍa. During this time, tajdīd manifested itself explicitly in the methodology of Arabic linguistics, sometimes declaring its points of reference openly, while at other times keeping them implicit in a deliberately unspoken reliance on modern theoretical backgrounds. I find that the linguistic issue represents an important component in 19th century Arab thought on three levels: the first being the level of culture and civilization, the second education and methodology, and the third technical form and research.