Explaining the Argumentative-Persuasive Function of the Rhetorical Technique of ‘Adaptation’ based on the Argumentative Technique ‘Argument from Authority’

Abstract

Abstract The rhetorical technique of “Adaptation” refers to the process of taking the sacred word [divine word/the words of religious leaders] and applying it to the speech of humans. This technique, like many other innovative techniques, is generally considered a decorative tool due to the dominance of the ornamental approach over novel science and its other functions have been neglected. The present study has tried to distance itself from this approach in a descriptive-analytical way both theoretically and practically. In this regard, on the one hand, by designing and examining the ideas of rhetoricians regarding the technique of adaptation, and on the other hand, by presenting and analyzing several examples from both the Arabic and Persian languages, it has tried to highlight the argumentative-persuasive function of this technique. Furthermore, based on one of the arguments presented by Perleman and Tyteca titled “argument from authority”, a model of the function of the technique of adaptation is presented. The conclusion of the discussion is that the speaker, based on this model, uses the sacred texts as an argument, proof, and a valid reason to confirm and prove his claim, and through it, he convinces his believing addressees. IntroductionAdaptation technique is one of the rhetorical techniques included in the textbooks of Islamic rhetoric under rhetorical science with the aim of teaching the methods of beautification of speech, a beauty which, unlike the beauty resulting from the other two rhetorical sciences, semantics and utterance, is temporary and not inherent. Of course, such a belief does not assign a place to rhetorical science in the semantic processes of speech and lowers the status of rhetorical techniques to the level of a decorative tool that can be removed at any moment, without creating the slightest defect in the speech. Materials and MethodsThe current research is based on the descriptive-analytical method and is based on library sources. In order to provide a clear picture of the argumentative-persuasive function of the technique of adaptation, it has paid attention to one of the contemporary linguistic-cognitive theories under the title of ‘argumentation’ and based on one of its argumentative techniques ,the exploration of what and how this type of adaptation works has been discussed. Finally, while examining examples of this rhetorical technique in both Arabic and Persian languages, a model of its argumentative-persuasive function has been presented. DiscussionIt goes without saying that under the above belief, as the decorative function of verses and hadiths in the heart of texts is paid attention to, other and perhaps more important functions are not paid attention to. However, this is not just limited to this rhetorical technique. The current research aims to discuss one of the most important functions of the adaptation technique. To be more precise, this research is based on the belief that the theologian's purpose in using the holy texts is not simply to enlighten his words, but in some cases, he decides to take help from the influence and power of such texts in order to prove his claim and convince the audience of his claim based on the confirmation he gets from them. This type of function can be referred to as ‘argumentative-persuasive function’ and it can be read in the light of the argumentative technique of ‘argument from authority’ included in the ‘theory of Argumentation’ of Perleman and Tyteca, according to which personal actions or speech or an institution is considered to be a proof of the correctness of certain propositions.ResultsThe results of the present study indicate that in the process of adaptation, it is possible to use the verses of the Holy Qur'an, hadiths, and narrations as a reliable and valid proof to confirm and strengthen one's claim, and by using the authority and influence of these Islamic holy texts make the audience convinced. Such an adaptation is the especially effective when dealing with a person who seeks to confirm and strengthen his claim by guaranteeing human words. In addition, the best way to counter the claim of someone who clings to the authority of the scriptures is to cling to the same type of holy authority. Of course, it should be kept in mind that this is possible only when the parties have a common understanding of the holy texts; otherwise, this argumentation mechanism could not lead anywhere. Providing a model of the argumentative-persuasive function of the technique of adaptation as proof of dominance is the important achievement of the present study.

Keywords

• adaptation
• argument from authority
• perleman and tyteca's theory of argumentation
• argumentative-persuasive function