The formulation and classification of definitions for phonetics and phonology in the
Abstract
This study seeks to uncover the methodology of the ancient Arab linguists in producing definitions for phonetic and phonological terms, by determining the elements of these definitions and establishing their categories. The study investigates the types of definitions that formed the basis of the Arab linguists’ formulations by focusing on phonetic concepts and the significance of the definitions. I examine the extent of the compatibility of these definitions with the criteria and requirements of integrated definitions and with the extrapolation of these categories to guarantee that the interpretation of phonetic concepts is relevant to precise definition and involves complete components. The analysis of this data enables the recognition of the essential elements on which these definitions are based and allows for a recognition of the types of definition, and whether they are integrated or partial. The findings indicate that the definitions of the phonetic terms in these treatises were formed using different types of elements, both integrated and partial, as well as some non-essential elements that should ideally have been included in the discussion rather than the definition. This study suggests that it is not possible to rely on the elements of partial definitions and they should be classified as negative definitions, since they lack the full requirements of proper definitions.