Determining the More Correct of Two Views Among Arabic Linguists

Abstract

Language serves as a means of communication and understanding among nations. It is acquired through listening to its speakers, as an Arab child learns the language from their parents by hearing their speech or from others. Additionally, language is transmitted through instruction by a mentor or by trusted narrators known for their honesty and integrity. As for its grammar and rules, they were established through the systematic analysis and analogy of the language by scholars who mastered its structures, explored its issues, and understood its underlying principles. These scholars formulated grammatical explanations based on the linguistic texts available and in accordance with established grammatical rules. Grammarians have determined syntactic rulings for cases where two or more valid grammatical interpretations exist, depending on scholars' views and evidence. What is considered "correct" is based on the strength of its supporting argument, whereas "more correct" (or "most valid") signifies a stronger justification. In linguistic terms, "correct" refers to something that is valid or sound

Some scholars have gone further by comparing two valid grammatical opinions and favoring one over the other, stating: "The first opinion is more correct in my view" or "This is the more correct of the two opinions." Their assertion implies that both opinions are valid, but one is preferred due to a stronger supporting argument. While some scholars have justified their preference for the more correct opinion, others have not provided explanations, leaving their judgments without explicit reasoning. This study aims to trace these grammatical rulings, analyze the justifications for preferring one opinion over another, and present scholars' views and arguments.