aRoots of Chomsky’s Linguistic Theory in the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence (Uṣūl al-Fiqh): An Analytical-Comparative Studyf Chomsky’s Linguistic Theory in the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence (Uṣūl al-Fiqh): An Analytical-Comparative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35516/Law.2026.15126Keywords:
Chomsky, Uṣūl al-Fiqh, generative transformational grammar, linguisticsAbstract
Objectives: This study investigates the methodological and cognitive convergence between Noam Chomsky’s Generative Transformational Grammar and the principles established by Uṣūl al-Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) scholars. It provides a comparative analysis of how each framework is employed in textual interpretation and understanding.
Methods: This study employs a three-pronged methodological approach: descriptive, analytical, and comparative. The descriptive component outlines the key principles of Chomsky’s theory, including linguistic innateness, deep and surface structures, and transformational rules. These principles are contrasted with the concepts of Nāṭiqiyyah and with the distinction between al-Kalām al-Nafsī (internal speech) and al-Kalām al-Lisānī (verbalized speech), as articulated in the works of Uṣūlīs (jurists). Additionally, the study critically analyzes and clarifies these propositions, leading to a comparative assessment of their conceptual nature and their functional impact on textual interpretation.
Results: The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between Chomsky’s theory and the rules of Uṣūl al-Fiqh. Specifically, "Linguistic Innateness" corresponds to "Human Rationality" (Nāṭiqiyyah) in the Uṣūl tradition. Similarly, "Deep and Surface Structures" align with "Internal and Articulated Speech" (Al-Kalām al-Nafsī and Al-Lisānī), while "Transformational Rules" have equivalents in the linguistic tropes of "Addition and Omission" (Majāz al-Ziyādah wa al-Nuqṣān).
Conclusion: Despite their significant similarities, Chomsky's framework is more advantageous for understanding the biological aspects of language, while the Uṣūl theory excels in textual interpretation due to its emphasis on the "Speaker's Intent" (Qaṣd al-Mutakallim). Ultimately, the similarities between the two paradigms can be traced back to their common rational and philosophical foundations.
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