Pragmatic Deixis in Imam Ali's Letter to His Son Al-Hasan (Peace Be Upon Them) in Light of Yule's Theory

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

2 M.A. Student, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the concept of deixis within the framework of George Yule’s theory of deixis and to explore its pragmatic functions in discourse. More specifically, it seeks to analyze how deictic expressions operate in Imam Ali’s letter to his son Al-Hasan (peace be upon them), with the purpose of uncovering the intended meanings, implicit messages, and communicative intentions embedded in the text. The study also aims to show how deixis contributes to shaping interpretation and guiding the reader’s understanding of the discourse.
Method: The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. It begins by presenting the theoretical foundations of deixis as defined in pragmatic studies, particularly drawing on George Yule’s classification and interpretation of deictic categories. These include personal, temporal, and spatial deixis, among others. After establishing the theoretical background, the study proceeds to analyze selected excerpts from Imam Ali’s letter to Al-Hasan. The analysis focuses on identifying deictic expressions and examining their contextual functions in relation to speaker, addressee, time, and place within the communicative setting.
Results: The findings indicate that pragmatic deixis plays a central and effective role in structuring and interpreting discourse. In Imam Ali’s letter, deictic expressions are not merely linguistic elements of reference, but functional devices that reveal deeper layers of meaning. They contribute to enhancing textual cohesion, reducing repetition, and increasing clarity of expression. Personal deixis is particularly prominent in strengthening the relational bond between the speaker and the addressee, creating a direct communicative connection. Temporal deixis situates the discourse within a meaningful time frame, while spatial deixis helps anchor the message within a contextual and situational environment. Together, these forms of deixis guide the reader through the text and support the interpretation of its implicit meanings.
Conclusions: The study concludes that deixis is a crucial pragmatic tool that significantly contributes to the interpretation and coherence of discourse. In Imam Ali’s letter to his son Al-Hasan, deictic expressions function as powerful mechanisms for conveying intended meanings and enhancing communicative effectiveness. They not only clarify linguistic reference but also encourage deeper reflection on moral and existential themes such as life, death, and human responsibility. Ultimately, deixis enriches the text by linking linguistic form with contextual meaning, thereby ensuring a more effective and meaningful transmission of ideas.

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 05 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 01 May 2025

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