Refer to the original in Arabic grammar Causes and models

Abstract

This paper discusses the issue of “resorting to primary forms” in Classical Arabic grammar. It shows that certain language forms were disregarded by grammarians for reasons such as the requirements of grammatical approach, or the use of dual, genitive, or pronominal forms. Other factors may lead to disregarding a certain usage especially when the “primary form” is known to have been an acknowledged Arabic dialect, or a type of language constraint.Instances of “primary forms” are then discussed, namely the use of the quiescent imperative “laam”, the use of a conjunctive phrase instead of the dual form, the use of an ‘i’ vowel point with the ‘nun’ affixed to the sound masculine plural, or the use of the abrogated auxiliary “kaana” (to be).The discussion has shown that Arab grammarians would not resort to primary forms that do not serve the meaning, or those which would negatively affect it. It has also shown that resorting to primary forms may gain priority over the requirements of grammatical approach and, in case of disagreement on certain issues, Arab grammarians would not resort to primary forms as a solution.