Singularity and Plurality in Standard Arabic: A Semantic Message for Translators of ri:ħ (Wind) and riya:ħ (Winds)

Authors

  • Imran Alrashdan

    Department of English Language and Literature, School of Foreign Languages, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
  • Nimer Abusalim

    Department of English Language and Literature, School of Foreign Languages, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
  • Mohd Nour Al Salem

    Department of English Language and Literature, School of Foreign Languages, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
  • Mohammad Rayyan

    Department of European Languages, School of Foreign Languages, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i5.7070
Received: 17 August 2024 | Revised: 12 September 2024 | Accepted: 12 September 2024 | Published Online: 15 November 2024

Abstract

This paper argues that the relationship between the singular and plural forms of a noun in Arabic is not merely grammatical. It specifically shows that the relationship does not only entail that a plural noun refers to more than two persons or things and that each form may hold a certain semantic significance, depending on the context. In order to prove this assumption, the paper reports the results of a study which draws on data collected from Standard Arabic: Common expressions, proverbs, poetry, prophetic traditions, and the Holy Quran (HQ), concerning the singular noun ريح ri:ħ (wind) and its plural رياح riya:ħ (winds). A mixed-method approach that relies on semantic analysis is adopted. In particular, wherever any of these two words is spotted, it is analyzed semantically, and the meaning/description of the word is traced. The analysis showed that there are two main semantic differences between the singular ‘wind’ and the plural ‘winds’ in Arabic. While the former refers to force, destruction, and pain; the latter refers to good things or tidings. In addition, the singular refers to a fixed indivisible entity that exists in one place as it is created for one purpose only. The plural, on the other hand, is distributable and may exist in different places, blow from different directions, and perform different purposes. Translators, therefore, need to take this distinction in mind when these two entries are involved in translation from Arabic to English or any other language. In particular, they need to add supporting adjectives to deliver the embedded message.

Keywords:

Singularity; Plurality; Semantic Message; Standard Arabic; Translation

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How to Cite

Alrashdan, I., Abusalim, N., Al Salem, M. N., & Rayyan, M. (2024). Singularity and Plurality in Standard Arabic: A Semantic Message for Translators of ri:ħ (Wind) and riya:ħ (Winds). Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(5), 889–902. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i5.7070

Issue

Vol. 6 , Iss. 5 (November 2024)

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Article

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Copyright © 2024 Moussa Diagne Faye, Vini Yves Bernadin Loyara, Amadou Keita, Mamadou Diop, Angelbert Chabi Biaou, Mahamadou Koita, Hamma Yacouba

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