Parallel Structure in Quranic Discourse Linguistic and Psycholinguistic Implications

Abstract

This paper sets out to shed some light on the potential role of parallel structure in the creation and processing of Quranic discourse. To this effect, one «sura» (chapter) is analysed with a view to determining the frequency and distribution of parallel structure in this discourse type. Then the potential role of this device in creating and processing Quranic discourse is investigated. It is argued that such a linguistic device can immensely contribute to the cohesion and coherence of this type of discourse. By the same token parallelism can have a facilitatory impact on its processing and eventually understanding. Finally, it is tentatively assumed that the implications of this study may offer certain insights into the creation and processing of other varieties of Arabic written discourse.