The Effect of Phonetic Syllables on Contextual Meaning: An Applied Statistical Study in the Poem “Beware of the World” by Abu Nabhan Al-Kharousi (d. 1237 AH / 1822 CE)

Abstract

This study examines how phonetic syllables shape contextual meaning, focusing on a poem by Abu Nabhan Jaʿad Al-Kharousi, one of the pioneers of the Omani al-Sulūkiyya school. The study addresses a notable gap in the literature, as research on the role of phonetic syllables in Omani literary corpora has been limited. The study examines the impact of phonetic syllables on the contextual meaning of the poem by answering the following questions: What is the impact of phonetic syllables on meaning construction and the contextual meaning? And how do the factors proposed by modern scholars determine the connotations of phonetic syllables that contribute to revealing the contextual meanings of the poem “Beware of the World”? The study identifies and categorizes phonetic syllabics and analyzes them through tables and graphical representations to clarify their relationship with contextual meaning by adopting a descriptive-analytical approach. It further employs Praat software to analyze pitch patterns and spectrograms, enabling precise quantitative measurement. The findings confirm the significant role of phonetic syllables in enhancing meaning and influencing the reader’s perception. This pattern is evident in the three most common syllable types in Arabic, with closed medial syllables predominating in the poem. The study recommends further research into the semantic functions of phonetic syllables in poetry, emphasizing their value in revealing thematic nuances, refining meaning, and identifying contextual cues.