LessonsThe Subject through Iḍāfah and Indefiniteness: Rhetorical PurposesQuiz

Just as annexation can convey honor, it can also be used for disparagement when that is the speaker's rhetorical aim. The source includes the example «وَلَدُ الْحَجَّامِ حَاضِرٌ» under this discussion.

وَلَدُ الْحَجَّامِ حَاضِرٌ
The barber's son is present.

Disparagement is not an obligatory lexical meaning of the construction. It depends on a particular social and discursive setting in which the speaker selects this relationship to shape an impression. The illustration does not warrant treating an occupation or lineage as inherently inferior. The rhetorical rule is that a chosen association can invite a chosen attitude.

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An iḍāfah may also disparage

The Subject through Iḍāfah and Indefiniteness: Rhetorical Purposes

Just as annexation can convey honor, it can also be used for disparagement when that is the speaker's rhetorical aim. The source includes the example «وَلَدُ الْحَجَّامِ حَاضِرٌ» under this discussion.

وَلَدُ الْحَجَّامِ حَاضِرٌ
The barber's son is present.

Disparagement is not an obligatory lexical meaning of the construction. It depends on a particular social and discursive setting in which the speaker selects this relationship to shape an impression. The illustration does not warrant treating an occupation or lineage as inherently inferior. The rhetorical rule is that a chosen association can invite a chosen attitude.