Polysemy: A Semantic Approach Between Classical and Modern Linguists

Abstract

The phenomenon of polysemy (taʿaddud al-maʿānī) represents a complex and nuanced issue within Arabic linguistics, closely associated with the concept of lexical ambiguity. This topic has garnered significant attention from linguists, who have offered divergent perspectives on its nature and contextual implications in Arabic texts. Classical scholars approached polysemy through traditional frameworks, often emphasizing rhetorical and stylistic dimensions. In contrast, contemporary linguists employ more analytical methodologies, grounded in modern semantic theories, to explore its intricacies. This study aims to examine polysemy as a lens through which to understand the evolution and transformation of linguistic thought, tracing its manifestations across various historical periods and textual usages