DERIVATION: CONCEPTS AND TERMINOLOGY IN THE ARABIC LANGUAGE STUDY

Abstract

The Arabic language, renowned for its unique attributes, is particularly distinguished by the phenomenon of “derivation”. This feature has garnered significant attention from scholars and researchers, culminating in a substantial body of literature dedicated to its exploration. Despite these efforts, the topic warrants further investigation to elucidate its inherent nature and the transformations it has undergone throughout various historical periods. This paper contributes to this scholarly discourse by tracing the lineage of the derivation concept, delineating its forms and types, and dispelling the ambiguities surrounding its concepts and terminology. Moreover, this study aims to illuminate the multifaceted evolutionary trajectory of the derivation concept, including its periods of expansion, contraction, and its interplay with the theory of metathesis. It also endeavors to scrutinize the evolution of terms, particularly when a single term encapsulates multiple meanings, or when a single concept is denoted by various terms. To mitigate the confusion surrounding derivation, this research underscores the necessity of distinguishing between Ibn Jinni's theory and the theory of metathesis, as well as between linguistic phenomena, linguistic theories, and research methodologies. It further recommends accurately labeling each theory, phenomenon, or tool, and reserving the term "derivation" exclusively for a distinct category of word formation techniques.