Some vocal features of Quran and their semiology

Abstract

This research paper takes only into account two Quranic vocal features; semiological aspects of 'vowel' and 'tonality', for each of which two Quranic examples are presented. Various aspects of vocal features in the Quranic phrase: (صُمٌّ بُكْمٌ عُمْيٌ) (Those unable to hear, speak and see) have been studied in detail; such features as: letters/sounds, vowels, consonants, syllable, and tonality together with different functions of tanvin involving nasal, Edgham, Qhalb, mute.The paper begins with a history of sounds and their semantic functioning. A number of semiological examples in connection with vowels and tonality are mentioned. The aforementioned Quranic phrase is put to a rhetorical and semiological analysis and then it is analyzed from a vocal viewpoint, in order to show how rhetorical facet of Quran has taken on vocal and musical features to render Quran verses as an artistic accomplishment.