Standard and auditory irregularities in metrical patterns Triliteral and Quadriliteral

Abstract

Morphologists in their study of morphological structures and patterns seek to identify the origins of each form, what has been added to it, deleted from it, substituted, or vocalized within it. They also highlight instances in Arabic speech that deviate from the standard rule, not fitting neatly into regular patterns—a phenomenon termed "shudhūdh" (irregularity). This concept, as established in their scattered opinions across morphological texts, encompasses two types: qiyāsī (analogical) and samāʿī (auditory). This study examines irregularity in both types, accompanied by examples that elucidate its causes and the manner in which it deviates from the expected original usage.
Prior studies on irregularity have focused on terminological analysis and examples of words departing from morphological rules, yet they overlooked the semantic dimension. Given that Arabs rooted all their speech in purpose—assigning specific meanings to each pattern and form—this research underscores the need for a study addressing this gap. It specializes in clarifying these two concepts and highlighting the semantic purposes embedded in each irregular example presented.