Linguistic Evidence

Abstract

We find that some linguists and grammarians use three terms almost interchangeably: representation/protest, citation, and reference. However, there are subtle differences between them, and they often overlap:

• Representation (التمثيل): Refers to a manufactured or undocumented text, presented in a way that does not bind one to its words. Its purpose is clarification and expression. It includes texts not attributed to ancient Arabs.

• evidence(الاحتجاج): Proves something with a verbal evidence traceable back to its source, used to document an issue, or to validate a statement semantically or linguistically, and whether it conforms to or deviates from linguistic norms.

• Citation (الاستشهاد): Came after the establishment of rules. It involves bringing forth a word or a narrated phrase, or a narrated verse from ancient Arabs who are cited to prove a rule or the correctness of using that narration. For example, citing a verse from poets of the era of protest to affirm or refute a statement.