Arabic – Rhetoric Concision and Elaboration – 3AS – Letters

Concision and Elaboration in Arabic Rhetoric

Concision ijaz and elaboration itnab are two fundamental rhetorical styles in Arabic.

Concision Ijaz

Expressing many meanings in few words. Types: concision of abbreviation and concision of omission. The Quran is the highest example: And whoever kills a believer intentionally his reward is Hell.

Elaboration Itnab

Expanding expression for clarification emphasis or rhetorical beauty. Uses: repetition explanation parenthetical clauses.

Equality Musawat

Expressing meanings with an appropriate number of words neither too few nor too many. The balanced style.

Exercises

Classify as concise elaborate or equal: 1) And indeed hardship comes with ease. 2) The student the hardworking the diligent succeeded.

See Concision and Rhetoric.