LessonsFurther Forms of Ibdāl: Definiteness, Agreement, Iltifāt and Word OrderQuiz

Arabic normally coordinates the gender and number of nouns, pronouns and modifiers. In some constructions, however, agreement with the expressed form and agreement with the intended meaning point in different directions.

Agreement with form follows the immediately expressed noun. Agreement with meaning follows the person, group or reality represented by that noun. A collective word, for example, can be singular in form but refer to several individuals.

This is not permission to disregard grammar. Every apparent shift needs a clear referent and evidence from Arabic usage and the particular passage. The interpreter identifies the basis of agreement rather than rewriting the original pronoun or adjective.

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Gender and number: form or intended referent?

Further Forms of Ibdāl: Definiteness, Agreement, Iltifāt and Word Order

Arabic normally coordinates the gender and number of nouns, pronouns and modifiers. In some constructions, however, agreement with the expressed form and agreement with the intended meaning point in different directions.

Agreement with form follows the immediately expressed noun. Agreement with meaning follows the person, group or reality represented by that noun. A collective word, for example, can be singular in form but refer to several individuals.

This is not permission to disregard grammar. Every apparent shift needs a clear referent and evidence from Arabic usage and the particular passage. The interpreter identifies the basis of agreement rather than rewriting the original pronoun or adjective.