ABSTRACT
This is an in-depth investigation of the odyssey of Arabic rhetoric. The present discussion aims to provide a thorough historical account of the birth and development of Arabic rhetoric as well as the subsequent stages of research in this field until the end of the twentieth century. This chapter provides the prototypical features related to rhetorical studies represented by prominent scholars and their research contributions in Arabic rhetoric as well as the impact they have made upon further rhetorical studies. Also, an outline of each written contribution and a comparative analysis with other contributions will be made in order to provide an insight into the sources of influence and the chains of development in rhetorical studies. According to our historical account, rhetorical studies have been through three major historical phases: 1 birth, 2 development, and 3 stagnation. The twentieth century period falls within the third phase. The historical period of development, however, signifies the growth of research in Arabic rhetoric during which major research contributions have been made and whose theses are felt in modern European linguistic tradition. The conclusion of the present chapter will also make a brief footnote reference to this interesting inter-cultural research interest. To simplify the historical marathon for the reader, a summary of scholars’ works up to the end of the twentieth century will be given in the conclusion of this chapter. Historical reference to scholars’ date of birth or death will be made in the Hijrah century until the nineteenth century.
