Al-Kalim: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab dan Kebahasaaraban
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Pendidikan Bahasa Arab dan Kebahasaaraban

Relevance Theory and Muqtadha al-Hal: Toward a Pragmatic Balaghah Framework for Arabic Discourse Analysis

Berti Arsyad (Prodi Sastra Arab, Universitas Muhammadiyah Gorontalo)
Chaterina P. Doni (Prodi Sastra Arab, Universitas Muhammadiyah Gorontalo)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 May 2026

Abstract

This study discusses the relationship between Relevance Theory in modern pragmatics and muqtadha al-hal in Arabic Balaghah as a basis for developing a pragmatic framework for Arabic discourse analysis. The discussion is motivated by the need to reinterpret Balaghah not only as a theory of linguistic beauty, but also as a contextual and communicative theory of meaning. This study aims to identify the conceptual convergences and differences between Relevance Theory and muqtadha al-hal and to formulate an integrative model called pragmatic Balaghah. Using a comparative literature review, the study analyzes scholarly works on pragmatics, cognitive inference, Arabic rhetoric, Ilm al-Ma‘ani, Qur’anic discourse, literary criticism, and text interpretation. The findings show that both frameworks emphasize context, speaker intention, audience reception, and communicative effectiveness. However, Relevance Theory is more receiver-oriented, focusing on inference, cognitive effect, and processing effort, whereas muqtadha al-hal is more speaker-oriented, focusing on rhetorical appropriateness and situational fit. The study concludes that pragmatic Balaghah offers a non-reductive framework for Arabic language studies, Arabic literature, Qur’anic discourse analysis, translation studies, and Islamic communication.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Alkalim

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

AlKalim Journal is a periodical scientific journal published two times a year in April and October by Daarul Qimmah Gorontalo. This Jurnal contains scientific articles, research, and research of community society. The aim is to provide readers with a better understanding of Arabic language education ...