A08: Definiteness and Indefiniteness

The use of definiteness where indefiniteness is expected, and vice-versa, as well as by their use in unexpected ways.

#	Text	Explanation	Rhetorical Impact Score	Source	Genre
	↑ ↓		↑ ↓	↑ ↓	↑ ↓
1	كِتَابٌ	From the context we know that كتابُ refers to the Qur'an, so it is strange that an indefinite noun (كتابٌ) would refer to a definite object (The Qur'an), especially when the Qur'an has not already been mentioned by name. The pragmatic effect of this is to make it appear that the identity of كتابٌ is not important, whereas it's purpose (which will be explained in the next clause) is more important. Another pragmatic effect is to create a shared connection with those who know about the Qur'an because the identity of كتابٌ is known and does not need to be stated explicitly. Alternatively, for those who do not know about the Qur'an, كتابٌ creates a sense of mystery.	2	سورة إبراهيم، الآيتان 1 و2 Surah Ibrahim, Verses 1 & 2	Qur'an

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From the context we know that كتابُ refers to the Qur'an, so it is strange that an indefinite noun (كتابٌ) would refer to a definite object (The Qur'an), especially when the Qur'an has not already been mentioned by name. The pragmatic effect of this is to make it appear that the identity of كتابٌ is not important, whereas it's purpose (which will be explained in the next clause) is more important. Another pragmatic effect is to create a shared connection with those who know about the Qur'an because the identity of كتابٌ is known and does not need to be stated explicitly. Alternatively, for those who do not know about the Qur'an, كتابٌ creates a sense of mystery.

سورة إبراهيم، الآيتان 1 و2
Surah Ibrahim, Verses 1 & 2

Qur'an