mā between the Neutralizing and the Enabling Functions: A Grammatical Study in Terminology and Concept

Abstract

It is undoubtedly clear to anyone who has studied Arabic and its grammar that there are multiple types of "ma" and that the uses of each type are numerous, as well as the overlapping among these types. In this study, I aimed to shed light on an issue in Arabic grammar that scholars and researchers have addressed both in the past and recently, namely the matter of the comprehensive and preparatory (ma), that is, the tool that changes the state of some operative particles, preventing them from functioning or preparing them to enter into uses other than those for which they were intended. 

In this research, I dealt with establishing the concepts of the comprehensive and preparatory (ma), distinguishing between them, and then proceeded to identify the appropriate terminology for each of them, due to the confusion I noticed among many scholars regarding these two tools in terms of concept and terminology. Then, I discussed the uses of the comprehensive (ma) and the examples found in the Noble Qur'an and the speech of Arabs, both in poetry and prose, with the same approach applied to the preparatory (ma).

In this study, I have adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, revealing the most important opinions of grammarians on this issue and selecting the views that are closest to solving the problems of this grammatical matter. This study aims to define the grammatical terminology, which is considered an important basis and a closely related pillar in identifying the features of grammatical study, in uncovering each of its issues or resolving any of its problems. I claim that this study is characterized by novelty in presenting this topic, which many scholars before me have addressed; however, I delved into aspects that previous scholars did not reach and uncovered some of the depths of Arabic grammar regarding this issue. I began from where they left off and concluded that the key to solving this grammatical problem lies in revealing the semantic dimensions that this grammatical structure conveys after the particle (MA) combines with certain tools. I hope, by God’s will, that the results of this research will be beneficial to seekers of knowledge and enthusiasts of grammar, and God is the source of success