Selected English words in an English dictionary from an Islamic perspective : a case study /
Language is an embodiment of a community's worldview and experiences. It is an element through which a culture is explored, discovered, embraced and recorded. It is the voice that makes tangible the ephemeral spirit of the people, capturing their thoughts, convictions and actions. Since words m...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Kuala Lumpur :
Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia,
2013
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://studentrepo.iium.edu.my/handle/123456789/6836 |
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| Summary: | Language is an embodiment of a community's worldview and experiences. It is an element through which a culture is explored, discovered, embraced and recorded. It is the voice that makes tangible the ephemeral spirit of the people, capturing their thoughts, convictions and actions. Since words might have different semantic values from one community to the next, it is necessary for the English language used by Muslims to adequately express the Islamic worldview. The objectives of the study were to identify and analyse words in an English dictionary whose meanings are not in line with the Islamic viewpoint. As the dictionary is an important medium of reference for many, it is important that these words are defined adequately and correctly following Islamic principles for the benefit of Muslims in particular and the masses in general. The study also aimed to propose new definitions for these words to accommodate the Islamic perspective. An English dictionary, namely the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (2008), was examined qualitatively using a document analysis. Words that are either in contradiction with Islam in their meanings or words with meanings that insufficiently explain the Islamic worldview were evaluated. Analyses were based on the Quranic verses, hadiths or traditions of the Prophet (may peace be upon him) with special focus on the hadiths of al-Bukhari and Muslim which are deemed as among those ranked the highest. Viewpoints from the consensus of the ulamas or learned scholars were also sought. The words were then categorized under inadequately or contradictorily defined. The “Inadequate” category consists of words which are defined similar to how Islam perceives them but still entail further elaboration. Meanwhile, the “Contradictory” section comprises of words that possess an element or elements that are against Islamic principles. In total, 85 words were categorized under the “Inadequate” category while 33 words were placed under “Contradictory” section. A proposed definition for each word was given after each analysis. The findings indicate that 118 words are either inadequately or contradictorily defined. The study is significant as it is more comprehensive than others of similar scope and it is hoped that it could act as an impetus for Muslim lexicographers as well as aid Muslim and non-Muslim users of the dictionary not only to be more aware of the role of language on culture and identity, but also more importantly, to learn and comprehend the true meanings of the words as regarded by Islam. |
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| Item Description: | Abstracts in English and Arabic. "A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Human Sciences (Teaching English as a Second Language)."--On t.p. |
| Physical Description: | x, 163 leaves : ill. charts ; 30cm. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 131-163). |