The Synonymous Words Denoting Collection in Abu Hilal al-Askari's book, "Al-Talkhis fi Ma'rifat al-Asma'" A Study Considering the Analytical Theory of Meaning

Abstract

From an early time, the Arabic brain has precisely imagined the subtle differences between words that closely resemble what the human thoughts presented lately. Undoubtedly, the first thing that comes to mind in this regard is Abu Hilal al-Askari in his book "Linguistic Differences," as viewed in the understated differences between words. He stated that every noun carries a distinctive feature that distinguishes it from others, emphasizing that two nouns cannot carry the same meaning. His book is almost the primary reference in denying synonymy. Abu Hilal indicated that the Arab mind agrees on this criterion that the scholars who investigated the matter have adopted. It is distinctive, however, to find Abu Hilal asserting synonymy in his book "Al-Talkhis fi Ma'rifat Asma' al-Ashya'".

Additionally, there is nothing mentioned about any distinguishing feature between these words, especially those discussed by the two researchers. It can be concluded that Abu Hilal employed multiple linguistic criteria in his books to study words, and each book was written for a specific group of students and individuals.

The researchers aim to study the synonymous words denoting a group in Abu Hilal's book, Al-Talkhis, to identify their semantic components and distinctive features. It also intends to compare his work with that of other linguists who approve of him, as well as contemporary and modern ones, to prove or disprove the synonymy of those words. They use the descriptive-analytical method.

The researchers reached several conclusions, most notably: the establishment of both complete and incomplete synonymy in Abu Hilal's work. In fact, he overlooked certain formative determinants and distinguishing features in his approach. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that some words underwent vertical development, characterized by semantic refinement, and horizontal development characterized by narrowing some meanings and broadening of others, as well as transferring some meanings from the concrete to the collective