An Interpretation of the Order of Multiple Adjectives as Post-Modifiers in Arabic: Examples from the Holy Qura’n
Abstract
Adjectives are an essential part of all languages that are used as modifiers to add extra meanings to the described noun. However, the Arabic language lacks theories that clearly explain how adjectives can be arranged when having more than one adjective. Therefore, this study aims to explore the order of multiple adjectives in the Holy Qur’an. A qualitative analysis was adopted, focusing mainly on verses with nouns that were described by more than one individual adjective. Inductive as well as analytical approaches were utilized in explaining the semantic and syntactic structure of these adjectives. Adjectives that describe the angels, Prophet Mohmmad, Qura’n, believing women, trees, fruits, milk, and wine were analysed in this study. The results revealed that the order of adjectives is based on encompassing adjectives first, and specification and/or emphasizing next. For foods and drinks, colours come first, and taste comes next. Using nouns as modifiers instead of adjectives was also identified as a rhetorical style in the Holy Qura’n. Theoretically, these results form a basis for establishing a linguistic theory that explains the order of adjectives in the Arabic language. Pedagogically, the results can help learners and non-native speakers of Arabic in understanding part of the rhetorical style employed.
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Details
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | British and Irish Language, Literature and Culture, World Languages, Literature and Culture (Other) |
| Journal Section | Research Article |
| Authors | |
| Submission Date | November 1, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | December 13, 2025 |
| Early Pub Date | December 17, 2025 |
| Publication Date | December 17, 2025 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2025 Volume: 7 Issue: 2 |
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Dr. Senturk holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Kafkas University as the top student (class of 2010). Having pursued his MA studies in Postcolonial Literary and Cultural Studies at the University of Leeds in 2013, he received his PhD in English Literature from the University of Leicester, UK in 2019. Dr. Senturk was selected to represent the University of Leicester in a HeForShe United Nations project (2016-2019) against gender-based violence on campus. He was also the recipient of an award for "The Best Graduate Student Essay" contest organised by the Doris Lessing Society in 2017. His research interests lie in issues relating to gender, race and class in contemporary British fiction. He is specifically interested in critical social theory and critical literature pedagogy. He currently acts as the vice chair of the department, and as the deputy director in the School of Foreign Languages.
I have a PhD in English Literature and more than fifteen years of experience in various fields
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Dr. Senturk holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Kafkas University as the top student (class of 2010). Having pursued his MA studies in Postcolonial Literary and Cultural Studies at the University of Leeds in 2013, he received his PhD in English Literature from the University of Leicester, UK in 2019. Dr. Senturk was selected to represent the University of Leicester in a HeForShe United Nations project (2016-2019) against gender-based violence on campus. He was also the recipient of an award for "The Best Graduate Student Essay" contest organised by the Doris Lessing Society in 2017. His research interests lie in issues relating to gender, race and class in contemporary British fiction. He is specifically interested in critical social theory and critical literature pedagogy. He currently acts as the vice chair of the department, and as the deputy director in the School of Foreign Languages.
