Semantic Functions of Passive Constructions in the Holy Qur'an

Abstract

This paper proposes a descriptive study of the syntactic functions of the passive constructions in the Holy Qur'an: inception, predicate, predicate of Kana and its sisters, predicate of Inna and its sisters, conditional (protasis and apodosis), complement of oath, complement of vocative, direct object, indirect object, direct object of saying verbs, relative clause, adjective (Epithet), circumstance (adverbial), genitive (prothesis), apposition, exposition, coordination, parenthesis, and causative object. To study the syntactic functions of the passive constructions lies between syntax and semantics as they are fully connected in the sense that they are not exclusive. Syntax without semantics is meaningless as it only studies the internal structure of sentences (the elements of the sentence) which does not achieve the goal of the language - communication among people. Similarly, semantics without syntax is only texts without being inflectionally controlled to show meaning. Therefore, this study purports to show that the syntactic and semantic functions should not be separated. This is to say there is no segregation between syntax and semantics. See Chomsky (1965:16&77). Reference is made to both traditional Arab grammarians and contemporary Arab grammarians. To investigation some examples on syntactic techniques from the Holy Qur'an and to identity the syntactic functions of these techniques may contribute to better understanding of practical aspects of syntax particularly for learners, practitioners, and translators. That is to say, the findings of this study have pedagogical implications for EFL teaching and translation instruction.