Pragmatic Interpretation and its Mechanisms in Constructing Meaning: Surah Al-Kahf: A Case Study

Abstract

This study aims to uncover the features of pragmatic theory concerning pragmatic interpretation in the dialogical narratives of Surah Al-Kahf and to analyse them using a pragmatic analysis based on the sayings of interpreters by invoking the tools of pragmatic linguistics, such as the mechanisms of pragmatic interpretation, to achieve metaphorical and implicit meanings, understand the purposes of the Qur'anic text, and provide an applied model for utilizing linguistic analysis in studying Qur'anic texts.

The researcher addressed several research questions, including: How can contemporary pragmatic analysis reveal the utilitarian and social dimensions of Surat Al-Kahf through the mechanisms of pragmatic interpretation? Are there any interdisciplinary links between the pragmatic approach and the science of interpretation concerning the interpretation of meanings? What are their features?  What are the mechanisms of pragmatic interpretation used in analyzing the metaphorical and implicit meanings in Surah Al-Kahf?

The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach within the framework of interpreting Qur'anic meanings in light of modern linguistic methods to explore the most prominent pragmatic interpretation findings and their mechanisms in constructing meaning. This is conducted to reveal the purposes of the speech act and its role in conveying implicit Qur'anic meanings.

The study concluded that interpreting meaning in light of pragmatic theory reveals hidden connotations in Qur'anic texts due to the performative power of speech, which interpreters may overlook. This opens a horizon for interdisciplinary study to deal with the Qur’anic text within the modern linguistic process. The study also indicated that analyses based on pragmatic interpretation were present in the interpretations, especially those that require strong perception and logical thinking.

This study recommends using modern linguistic approaches in analyzing the Qur'anic text and applying the pragmatic approach to conduct interdisciplinary research that combines Islamic sciences and modern linguistics.