The Department of Arabic Language at Ibn Rushd College of Education for Human Sciences at the University of Baghdad recently hosted a discussion of a master’s thesis titled “The Descriptor ‘Unknown’ in the Arabic Dictionary: An Analytical and Evaluative Study.” The thesis was presented by researcher Zainab Mahmoud Shakir, specializing in Arabic Language. The discussion committee was chaired by Prof. Dr. Haider Abdul Zahra Hadi, with supervision by Assist. Prof. Dr. Hussam Qadouri Abdul, and membership from Prof. Dr. Yusra Thajil Midhkor. Additionally, Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Faleh Wadi participated as an external member from Imam Al-Azam University College.
Study Objectives
The primary aim of the study was to conduct an evaluative analysis of instances labeled as “unknown” in Arabic dictionaries. The researcher sought to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide recommendations for enhancing documentation and analysis practices in Arabic lexicography. The study is expected to contribute significantly to the field of Arabic linguistics and dictionary development, offering a foundational framework for future research in this area.
Key Findings
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Limited Use in Early Dictionaries: The term “unknown” was rarely used in early Arabic dictionaries, such as Al-Ayn and others. In each dictionary, it appeared in only one or two entries.
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Mislabeling of Common Terms: Many entries labeled as “known” in Arabic dictionaries are, in practical usage, not widely recognized. Examples include terms like al-kashb and al-qirqafanna, which are not commonly used in everyday language.