Science, syntax, and superiority in eleventh-century Christian–Muslim discussion: Elias of Nisibis on the Arabic and Syriac languages

Özet

Abstract Elias of Nisibis, an eleventh-century bishop of the ‘Nestorian’ Church of the East, was a Christian author fluent in Syriac and Arabic. Elias composed works on a variety of topics including theology, history, grammar, and lexicography. His Arabic work the Book of sessions (Kitāb al-majālis) relates discussions that he had with the Muslim vizier Abū al-Qāsim al-Maghribī on seven different occasions. The sixth discussion focuses on the merits of Arab and Syriac sciences and compares their languages with reference to syntax, lexicography, and written script. This article contextualizes and outlines the sixth dialogue, arguing that the text does not accurately reflect Elias' understanding of Syriac and Arabic grammar and sciences. Rather, the discourse has three purposes: to recognize scientific achievements by Syriac scholars, to strengthen the rational arguments for the Christian faith, and to recommend that Muslims should evaluate matters, including their interpretation of the Qur'an, through the use of scientific knowledge. The article offers conclusions on Elias' understanding of the relationship between reason and revelation, his views on language, and scientific learning in the Syriac tradition. Keywords: dialoguesdisputationsrefutationsapologiescomparative religionethnographygrammarlanguageChristian exegesis of the Qur'antextual analysis of the Qur'ansocial interactionNestoriansChurch of the East

Anahtar kelimeler

Atıf

@article{sciencesyntaxandsuperiorityine2011,
  title = {{Science, syntax, and superiority in eleventh-century Christian–Muslim discussion: Elias of Nisibis on the Arabic and Syriac languages}},
  author = {Bertaina, David},
  year = {2011},
  journal = {{Islam and Christian–Muslim Relations}},
  volume = {22},
  number = {2},
  pages = {197-207},
  publisher = {{Routledge}},
  doi = {10.1080/09596410.2011.560433}
}

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Bertaina, David
TI  - Science, syntax, and superiority in eleventh-century Christian–Muslim discussion: Elias of Nisibis on the Arabic and Syriac languages
PY  - 2011
JO  - Islam and Christian–Muslim Relations
VL  - 22
IS  - 2
SP  - 197
EP  - 207
PB  - Routledge
DO  - 10.1080/09596410.2011.560433
ER  - 

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