The Variation in Emphasis between Quranic Sentences: A Rhetorical Study

Abstract

This study examines the concept of variation in emphasis between sentences within linguistic analysis and distinguishes it from both equal emphasis and divergent emphasis. Variation in emphasis between sentences appears in two forms: variation within a single context and variation across different contexts.

 Studying emphasis in the Qur’an through the lens of variation enables the researcher to focus the analysis and to uncover the reasons behind differing uses of emphasis in similar or related sentences and enables the researcher to uncover the causes of variation in the use of emphasis across sentences and the semantic nuances associated with such variation.

 Emphasis in sentences is not directed solely toward the addressee, as suggested by classical semantic and rhetorical studies, but may instead be motivated by the speaker himself for various purposes, or may arise from contextual factors.