Conceptual Structures of QurʔĀnic SaʔAla ‘Ask’: An Analysis from Cognitive Linguistics

Abstract

This project attempts to provide one cognitive, that is, schematic, network of all occurrences of the Qurʔānic saʔala "ask." The theoretical framework to argue for the proposed network is dual: to argue for a number of pragmatic functions that seem to underlie the choice of saʔala; and to make a strong case that these pragmatic functions motivate cognitive interpretation. The paper, which initially examines distinct interpretations of Qurʔānic saʔala that ensue from a contextual analysis of its occurrences, reveals these pragmatic functions: ṭalab "request," ʔistifsār "enquiry," muħāsaba "interrogation," ʔistifzāz "aggravation," ʔiṭmiʔnān "concern about well-being," tawbīx "reproach," tabkīt "rebuke," taqrīr "attestation" and duʕāʔ "prayer." Based on this pragmatic and other related syntactic evidence, it argues that "ask" cognitively frames, not two, but three central types of cognitively-based construal: information-seeking "ask," performative "ask" and interrogating "ask." The paper proposes some conceptual structures trigger some various utilizations of Qurʔānic "ask;" and argues that they all interlink into one schematic network that enables readers, translators and interpreters of the Holy Qurʔān to account, in a natural manner, for the verb's execution of these pragmatic functions. Finally, the findings and their theoretical implications are outlined.

Keywords: Arabic linguistics, cognitive semantics, linguistic pragmatics &
Qurʔānic interpretation & translation