Linguistic Elegance in the Qur’an: Exploring the Impact of Repetition on Text Cohesion

Abstract

This study examines repetition as a linguistic and cohesive device in Juz’ Amma, the thirtieth part of the Qur’an, to understand its role in enhancing text cohesion. Using an English linguistic framework, the research bridges Arabic linguistic features with Western discourse frameworks, drawing on Halliday and Hasan’s (1976) cohesion theories, Hoey’s (1991) patterns of lexical repetition and Tannen’s (2007) classification of repetition. Focusing on Arabic as a Semitic language, it investigates how repetition functions as a cohesive tool, unifying themes and strengthening structural coherence. The study addresses two primary objectives: categorising types of repetition in Juz’ Amma and assessing their impact on text cohesion. A qualitative methodology incorporating thematic analysis and corpus linguistic tools like AntConc was used to systematically identify instances of repetition in selected Surahs. The findings identify various forms of repetition, including exact and paraphrased types, divided into categories of total, partial and collocational repetition, all of which contribute significantly to thematic unity. These repetitive structures create a network of meaning which enable the text to convey its messages with clarity and coherence. Unexpectedly, surah title repetition also emerged as a key cohesive feature, linking verses back to central themes, whereas minor forms of repetition, such as phonetic and lexical collocation, enriched the text’s melodic quality. The study’s implications extend to Qur’anic studies and linguistic theory, illustrating how repetition enhances textual cohesion and aids reader comprehension. This research provides a comprehensive model for analysing cohesion in religious texts and demonstrates the insights gained from applying English linguistic frameworks to Classical Arabic texts, laying the foundation for future cross-linguistic studies in textual analysis.