The Role of the Grammarian in Language

Abstract

This research deals with the nature of the work of grammarians in the Arabic language, and reveals the scientific method adopted by early grammarians in their study of the language. It shows that their focus was directed to fixed Arabic speech, in general, and to steady and continuous rulings in particular. This research also highlights the role of grammarians in clarifying meaning and draws attention to the boundaries of the work of grammarians that distinguish them from other scholars of other sciences.

Among the most significant outcomes of this research is the affirmation that grammar constitutes a mental science grounded in authenticated linguistic transmission, rather than a mere collection of mechanical rules. Its core function lies in establishing the foundational principles of language and deriving grammatical rulings based on reliable usage. Furthermore, the study highlights that oral transmission is examined by grammarians in four specific contexts where its independent value is central to linguistic judgment. Additionally, the findings emphasize that grammar engages deeply with meaning—though only within the framework appropriate to its discipline—demonstrating that it is far more than a science of isolated words; rather, it is an intellectual system that interprets and regulates the structure and significance of language.