The Sympathetic Oath: Its Form and Significance

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the style of the sympathetic oath in Arabic language. It provided a detailed analysis of this linguistic style, exploring its concept and how it is employed in linguistic discourse. The study also elucidated scholars’ perspectives on categorising it among the methods of composition in Arabic. Additionally, it sought to categorise the various letter-based, verbal, and nominal forms that can be utilised to express the sympathetic oath, focusing on illustrated linguistic examples.

The study adopted descriptive and analytical approaches. It collected all types of sympathetic oath from linguistic sources and references to identify the linguistic contexts in which they are used and classified, aiming to highlight the functional meanings it leads to. It took into consideration the impact of cultural dimensions associated with emotional declamation, in addition to elucidating the effect of phonetic tone in changing the real meaning of the sympathetic oath. This was achieved through a meticulous examination of rhetorical evidences employed in formal uses of this type of oath.

The study concluded that the sympathetic oath is a type of neutral compositional method. It is based on the convergence of formal elements of the explicit oath style with elements of the imperative compositional methods, such as commands, prohibitions, and interrogations, along with some linguistic tools that carry a sense of request.