Tens in The Language of Kairouan (Semantic Study)

Abstract

This research aims to shed light on one of the literature worthy of study; Because it contains linguistic material that deserves to be researched and explored. The Book of Tens by Abu Abdullah al-Qayrawani (d. 412 AH) combines two fields in linguistics, namely: Philology and lexicography; it is closer to the dictionaries; According to the arrangement of its vocabulary, which followed the method of lexical composition in general, but he restricted it to ten, which are ten meanings, not words, as there are many connotations in them according to one word. The purpose of the research is to show the semantic relationship between these dozens of meanings that seem semantically far apart through the semantic guidance of this relationship. One of the most important results of the research is to clarify the reason for the systematic confusion with which Al-Qayrawani was accused in presenting and categorizing the vocabulary and deviating from the norm in limiting them. The justification on which he relied on his work, with a note that narrowing the semantic field and limiting it to ten meanings in a language that does not accept restrictions is considered a distinct effort that is calculated for the work as it is calculated for others.

Keywords: Tens, Language, Kairouan, Semantics