Deletion in Sentence Structures and Its Semantic Effect in Surat al-An'am: A Syntactic-Semantic Approach

Abstract

This study examines deletion in sentence structures in Surat al-An'am, focusing on its semantic role in creating coherence, concision, and expansion of meaning. As a prominent feature of Arabic linguistic expression, deletion has received considerable attention from both classical and modern grammarians, particularly because of its close association with ijaz (concision), traditionally regarded as an important dimension of Arabic eloquence. Adopting a syntactic-semantic approach, the study investigates whether deletion contributes to semantic coherence, whether its function is limited to linguistic economy, which types of deletion occur most frequently, and what purposes they serve within the surah. The research comprises a theoretical section addressing the concept, purposes, and causes of deletion, followed by an applied analysis of selected instances involving the omission of words and sentences. The findings demonstrate that Surat al-An'am employs a wide range of deletion functions that extend beyond mere abbreviation and contribute significantly to the construction and enrichment of meaning. The analysis also identifies both regular and irregular patterns of deletion, including obligatory verb deletion and instances interpreted as accusative constructions resulting from the omission of a preposition, as discussed by grammarians and Quranic exegetes.