The Impact of Deviation in Arabic Rhetoric through Ilm al-Bayan

Abstract

This research focuses on the study of the term "deviation" from the perspective of classical rhetorical studies by tracing its influence in one of the three main branches of rhetoric, which is the science of eloquence (ilm al-bayan). This research serves as a meeting point between our classical rhetorical heritage through "ilm al-bayan" and modern stylistic studies through the concept of "deviation." The interest in this topic arises from the fact that modern stylistics, with
its elements—foremost among them the element of deviation has become a focal point of attention for contemporary scholars. The science of "ilm al-bayan" in Arabic rhetoric closely resembles what is referred to in stylistic studies as "semantic deviation," as both examine language beyond the ordinary. They study literary language as being exceptional and unconventional, which is clearly evident in the elements of ilm al-bayan, namely metaphor, simile, metonymy, and allegory.