Functional Repetition in Ibn Al-Muqaffa’ al-Adab al-Saghir and al-Adab al-Kabir

Dr. Mohammed Al-Shraideh Dr. Faryal Hdaib

Abstract

Ibn Al-Muqaffa’s literature in al-Adab al-Saghir and al-Adab al-Kabir is considered influential in all means. In order to convince the reader to accept his code of ethics, Ibn Al-Muqaffa’ applied a stylistic technique relying on repetition and arguments to create interaction and achieve his goals.

Repetition is considered a marked feature in Ibn Al-Muqaffa’s literature characterized by its argumentative nature. This triggered the researcher to identify the function repetition plays in convincing the reader of Ibn Al-Muqaffa’s literature to accept his code of ethics.

This research reveals that Ibn Al-Muqaffa’ was aware of the function repetition and argument play in convincing the reader; this is why he relied on them in delivering his message and enhancing its influential nature. Repetition appeared in three different faces: repetition of arguments (negation), repetition of a word, and repetition of a style. These three together created a well-woven, influential and rhythmic literature.