Repetition as an Effective Rhetorical Device in Arabic and English Argumentative and Expository Texts

Al-Mukharriq, Hayfa (1993) Repetition as an Effective Rhetorical Device in Arabic and English Argumentative and Expository Texts. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This research aims to serve two purposes in connection with repetition / redundancy. The first is to find out if repetition is functional or non-functional. The second is to discover if repetition is still functional when it is transferred to another language. The study starts by reviewing the related literature, i.e., discussing repetition in relation to various aspects of language such as the function of repetition in conversation in terms of production and comprehension, contextual motivations of repetition, the effect of repetition in persuasion, and the role which repetition plays in rhyme. Part of the work is devoted to dealing with text and text-types, since text is the framework within which an analyst can observe whether repetition performs a duty or is used just as an ornamental device. Another part of the research examines types of repetition and reasons for repetition. As repetition/redundancy has a significant role in Arabic rhetoric, particularly in cilm al-macani, part of this thesis is dedicated to the situation of repetition in Arabic. To verify the effects of repetition/ redundancy in text, the study examines the role of repetition in Arabic argumentative texts, English argumentative texts, Arabic expository texts and English expository texts. It also tests the translations of these texts into English and into Arabic. The findings of the study indicate that repetition is functional in expository texts as well as in argumentative texts in both languages. In other words, the device of repetition is employed in texts to serve a rhetorical purpose. This may be emphasising, supporting, informing, etc. It is also found that repetition, when occuring in texts, does not violate the norms of the text. On the contrary, it may be of great help to the plan of the text and the attitudes involved (intentionality). It can also help the communicative settings (situationality) as well as assisting receivers (acceptability). In other words, it does not violate the considerations of pragmatics. The results of the study also indicate that the translation of repetition/ redundancy is functional, i.e. the translation of texts with repeated items succeeds in maintaining the rhetorical purpose of repetition, in maintaining the propositions of the original text, or, in other words, in preserving the pragmatic and the semiotic dimensions of text. It is hoped that this work will assist trainees in translation as well as those who are generally involved or interested in text linguistics and translation.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: John Mattock
• Keywords: Middle Eastern literature, Translation studies, Rhetoric
• Date of Award: 1993
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1993-76301
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 19 Nov 2019 16:09
• Last Modified: 19 Nov 2019 16:09
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/76301