Jamil, Muhammad Syazwan Hakim and Abdul Malek, Muhammad Irfan (2026) Optative expressions (tamannī) in the Qur’an: a pragmatic analysis based on Grice’s Cooperative Principle. Journal of Language, Culture, and Translation, 8 (2). pp. 217-245. ISSN 2322-2905 E-ISSN 2783-2201
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Abstract
Each tamanni (optative) verse in the Quran carries expressions that are rich in emotive and figurative meaning. Overlooking the implicit aspects of these verses risks obscuring the intended message of the revelation and impedes effective comprehension among readers and listeners. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the non-observance (flouting) of Grice’s Cooperative Principle in tamanni verses employing layta (ليت) and to elucidate the resulting implicatures through a pragmatic lens. The study adopts a textual analysis of all 14 Quranic verses containing layta, guided by Grice’s Cooperative Principle (1975) and supported by major classical tafsir works to ensure alignment with authoritative exegesis. The analysis shows that flouting of conversational maxims in these verses not only convey wishes for the impossible but also reveal sentiments of regret and remorse. The derived implicatures demonstrate how implicit meanings can deliver messages more effectively and persuasively than literal interpretations alone. This study contributes to Arabic linguistics and Quranic studies by illustrating how a modern pragmatic framework can serve as a viable approach to interpreting tamanni verses, highlighting their rhetorical richness and expanding the nuanced understanding of the sacred text.
| Item Type: | Article (Journal) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Grice’s Cooperative Principle, Implicature, Pragmatics, Tamanni Verses |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP134.S3 Quran and Science P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics P Language and Literature > PJ Semitic > PJ6001 Arabic P Language and Literature > PJ Semitic > PJ6001 Arabic > PJ6073 Language |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD) > Quranic Language Division Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD) |
| Depositing User: | Mr Muhammad Syazwan Hakim Jamil |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Jul 2026 17:01 |
| Last Update: | 20 Jul 2026 17:01 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-07-Q4008 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129844 |
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