لفظ )سراويل( بين العجمة والعربية: دراسة في الصرف والمنع من الصرف في كتاب المنهاج للعلوي(ت749هـ)ٍ

Abstract

This research investigates the grammatical and morphological status of the word (Sarawil) in the Arabic language، specifically focusing on whether it should be declined (Sarf) or diptote (Mamnoo’ min al-Sarf). This linguistic issue involves overlapping factors such as foreign origin (A'jamiyyah)، arabization (Ta'reeb)، and the morphological structure between singularity and plurality. The study aims to explore the various morphological interpretations and discuss the four main scholarly opinions regarding this word، tracing the arguments of different grammatical schools from Sibawayh and the majority of grammarians to later and contemporary scholars.
​The study adopts a descriptive، analytical، and inductive approach to examine the grammarians' views and textual evidence from Classical Arabic. The research reveals that the majority (including Sibawayh، Al-Mubarrad، Al-Zajjaj، and Ibn Malik) view the word as a diptote because it resembles the ultimate plural form (Sighat Muntaha al-Jumoo’ like Mafa'eel)، treating it as an arabized singular foreign word. Another group argues for its Arabic origin and considers it a hypothetical plural of (Sarwalat). Meanwhile، Al-Akhfash and Ibn Mu'ti allowed its declension based on its foreign and indefinite nature، and others like Ibn al-Hajib and Al-Fayyumi declined it based on its Arabic origin and singularity، while discussing its gender (masculine and feminine). The study concludes by favoring the majority's view due to its strong attestation in Classical Arabic usage and because the phonological resemblance to the ultimate plural form in singular nouns is a stronger justification for prevention than merely looking at the etymological origin.