Manifestations of the concept of “annzm” in Abdul Qahir Al-Jurjani in light of modern stylistic studies.

Abstract

Abstract
This research seeks to re-examine the concept of “system” as formulated by Abd al-Qahir al-Jurjani, through an integrated analytical approach that draws upon the achievements of modern stylistic and linguistic studies. The aim is to uncover the structural and semantic dimensions inherent in this central concept of Arabic rhetoric. The research begins with the premise that the theory of system is not merely a traditional rhetorical conception, but rather represents an early model for analyzing linguistic relationships within a text, making it susceptible to intersection with contemporary stylistic concepts such as structure, deviation, textual cohesion, and the aesthetic function of language. The research employs a descriptive-analytical methodology supported by a comparative approach. It analyzes original texts from al-Jurjani’s legacy, particularly “The Proofs of Inimitability” and “The Secrets of Eloquence,” linking them to modern contributions in stylistics, especially within the frameworks of functional linguistics and textual stylistics. It also relies on a critical review of the most important previous Arabic and Western studies to reveal the trajectories of stylistic research and the extent to which the rhetorical heritage can be re-employed within these trajectories. The research includes analytical applications to diverse textual models (both classical and modern poetry and prose), in addition to employing quantitative analytical indicators derived from computational stylistics (stylistics), with the aim of testing the validity of the concept of "system" as a measurable analytical tool. The results reveal profound intersections between system theory and modern stylistic concepts, confirming that al-Jurjani established, at an early stage, a structural-functional view of the text that transcends the boundaries of traditional rhetoric. The research concludes that system theory represents a robust epistemological bridge between classical Arabic rhetoric and contemporary stylistic studies, and that its reactivation within modern linguistic and digital approaches opens new horizons for developing the analysis of Arabic texts in both critical and linguistic contexts.

Keywords: System, Arabic rhetoric, stylistics, textual analysis, functional linguistics, computational stylistics.