Arabic Parts of Speech in Light of Mathematical Probability Theory An Applied Approach

Abstract

Arabic linguistic studies were founded upon a scientific methodology that sought to codify the Arabic language, relying on the principles of induction accompanied by accuracy of observation, experimental rigor, depth of analysis, reasoning, and analogy. The Arab linguist, much like the mathematician, appears to have moved from the particular to the general in formulating laws and theories, employing the tools of induction, and then articulating universal rules that admit no exception, whereby linguistic issues are judged by applying these rules to all cases that meet the conditions of universal judgment.

It can be said that mathematical referentiality was actively present in the works of Arab linguists, though not explicitly announced. Rather, it reveals itself through their outcomes. This referentiality is characterized by a clear sense of rigor and rests upon two well-known dimensions in scientific studies. The first dimension takes a theoretical course, grounded in the processes of sampling and statistical enumeration, both of which constitute the descriptive aspect of the phenomenon as represented by its reality. The second dimension is procedural, involving the analysis of induction and enumeration through mathematical tools and hypotheses—an endeavor that could not be realized without the foundation provided by the first dimension.

Among the mathematical frameworks that clearly influenced the understanding of Arabic grammatical rules is the application of probability theory to the classification of Arabic speech. This study is thus based on the idea of employing mathematical reasoning in addressing the tripartite division of speech, aiming to move from rote memorization to comprehension and interpretation, while clarifying the rationale behind such a division.