The Intellectual Reference of Jesuit Lexicographers: A Critical Analytical Study
Researcher: Ziyad Tariq Shouli
University: College of Education – Ibn Rushd for Human Sciences, University of Baghdad
Specialization: Arabic Language – Linguistics
Objective of the Study:
To analyze the dictionaries compiled by Jesuit lexicographers in order to explore how they were influenced by Western intellectual, religious, and cultural references, and to assess the impact of these influences on modern Arabic lexicography through the introduction of new terms and concepts.
Methodology:
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A critical analytical study of Jesuit dictionaries.
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Examination of the introductions and conclusions of the dictionaries to identify underlying intentions and ideologies.
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Semantic and cultural analysis of the vocabulary and definitions.
Main Findings:
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The Jesuit intellectual background played a central role in shaping the content of the dictionaries, reflecting Christian values and religious ideology in both terminology and definitions.
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The dictionaries served missionary and educational purposes, aiming to spread Christianity and facilitate interaction with local cultures.
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While these dictionaries contributed to the documentation and development of local languages, they also compromised linguistic neutrality.
Conclusion:
Jesuit dictionaries were not merely linguistic tools but part of a broader cultural and missionary project. They sought to adapt the Arabic language to serve religious and educational goals, which calls for a critical approach when using them as linguistic references.
