A Study of Pragmatic Argumentation: Analysis of Al-Imam Al-Hasan's (p.b.u.h.) Speech in Al-Kufa

Abstract

Argumentation is a promising topic, but it is also deep and fuzzy. Pragmatic argumentation, in this study, is dealt with as a one-way pragmatic process that goes through stages. It is introduced in this study to refer to the process where a speaker structures an intended impact to win the audience to his side. This study tackles pragmatic argumentation in Al-Imam Al-Hasan's (p.b.u.h.) speech in Al-Kufa. It aims at providing a definition of 'pragmatic argumentation'; figuring out what makes the structure of pragmatic argumentation interdependent in Al-Imam Al-Hasan's speech; tracing the strategies of pragmatic argumentation that are employed in the speech understudy; and developing an analytical model for the process of pragmatic argumentation to be applied on the data under scrutiny.  

      The current study mainly hypothesizes the interdependency of logical, dialectical and rhetorical argumentation in Al-Imam Al-Hasan's (p.b.u.h.) speech. These three interdependent aspects are combined to show the speech's efficiency, reasonableness and effectiveness powered by the speaker's ability and competency when using the Arabic language. Here in this study, the researcher cogently emphasizes the role and contribution of the speaker as the virtuous core in presenting pragmatic argumentation. Throughout the study, the researcher focuses on the speaker's norms and how they can be scrutinized. Among the conclusions, based on the findings reached by this study, is that the study of the three aspects (logic, dialectics and rhetoric) provides a valuable account of Arabic theoretical linguistics.