Structural Criterion for Masculine and Feminine in Ibn al-Anbari (d. 328 AH) in his book "Al-Mudhakkar wa al-Mu'annath""

Abstract

      This research investigates the rules of masculine and feminine categorization in Ibn al-Anbari s (d. 328 AH) book, Al-Mudhakkar wa al-Mu'annath. The study adopts a methodological framework based on the concepts of "Standard" (al-Mi'yar) and "Pattern" (al-Minwal), where the former serves as the theoretical regulatory rule, and the latter represents the expressive linguistic norms utilized by the Arabs. The research aims to deconstruct the linguistic phenomenon through the "Structural Measure" (al-Miqyas al-Bunyawi), acting as an analytical tool to regulate the morphological structure of words. This is achieved through an in-depth examination of Ibn al-Anbari s thought, specifically by observing the interaction between the underlying cause (the standard) and the practical application (the pattern) across three primary themes: "Construction based on Pronunciation" and "Plural Forms" and Opposition “al -Mukhalafa”. The study concludes that Ibn al-Anbari employed original linguistic measures aimed at regulating morphological forms, establishing the linguistic structure as the definitive criterion for determining grammatical gender, thereby lending significant theoretical depth and practical precision to his grammatical analysis.