نوع مقاله : پژوهشی
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Research Objective
The semiotic analysis of religious texts, particularly the Qur’an, has always been of interest to linguists and scholars in the humanities because many of its linguistic signs carry multiple layers of meaning. Such analysis allows for a deeper understanding of the concepts presented in these texts through semiotic and discourse analysis. The story of Prophet Solomon (PBUH) is one of the wisdom-centered narratives in the Qur’an. Due to the unique circumstances of Solomon’s life and his knowledge of the languages of animals and communication with them, the element of language and speech holds a particularly prominent role in this story.John Searle, the renowned American theorist, is among the scholars who have provided a comprehensive framework for speech acts. According to Searle, speech acts can be classified into five categories: assertive, directive, expressive, commissive, and declarative. By relying on his approach, it is possible to achieve a comprehensive understanding of speech acts within a story. Scholars, driven by an interest in uncovering the aesthetic and moral dimensions of Qur’anic narratives, have continually sought to explore their hidden meanings. What distinguishes the story of Prophet Solomon (PBUH) and other Qur’anic narratives from ordinary stories is the divine manner of expression, the miraculous and precise use of words, which creates a vivid and artistic portrayal of events. The divine speech often takes the form of dialogue—sometimes between God and Solomon, sometimes between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba or his people, at other times with his personal conscience, and occasionally even with animals. These speech acts, due to their multi-layered meanings and implicit significance, require careful analysis to fully uncover the intended messages.
Research Methodology
This study employs a descriptive-analytical method to examine the story of Prophet Solomon (PBUH) based on John Searle’s theory of speech acts. It explores the speech elements used by Solomon in his dialogues with his people and the Queen of Sheba, with the aim of delivering the divine message and guiding them to the right path through effective use of language and dialogue.
Research Findings
In this narrative, God is the primary speaker, and Prophet Solomon (PBUH) functions as the main agent of the story, establishing a coherent discourse through language and speech. Since the central theme of the story is guidance and moral instruction, assertive and directive speech acts appear more prominently than other types.Assertive speech acts are employed to demonstrate divine truth through rational arguments and the divine favors granted to humanity. Directive speech acts are used to encourage and motivate the audience toward righteousness and truth. Expressive, declarative, and commissive speech acts are also present, albeit less frequently, serving as complementary tools to reinforce the narrative’s message.
Conclusion
The analysis of Prophet Solomon’s (PBUH) story based on John Searle’s speech act theory demonstrates that all five categories of speech acts are represented in the narrative, although some, particularly assertive and directive acts, are more prominent. God is the main narrator, and Solomon’s speech is often presented as the voice of the divine. He occasionally uses the first-person singular to emphasize his message, while at other times he conveys his feelings clearly and explicitly, reflecting the expressive function in Searle’s framework.Through assertive speech acts, Solomon presents the divine truth with rational evidence, achieving his primary goal of guidance. Directive acts, including encouragement and persuasive questioning, are employed to lead his people and the Queen of Sheba toward God, ensuring that the audience is both informed and morally guided.
کلیدواژهها English