Conjunctions in the Arabic language and their diverse usages

Conjunctions are not among the principal words such as nouns and verbs, but rather are elements that establish connections among other components of a sentence. Without such connections, a mere sequence of words does not convey meaning. For words to form a meaningful sentence, and for sentences to constitute a coherent text, conjunctions and prepositions are essential. In Arabic, conjunctions are generally expressed, along with prepositions, as ḥurūf al-maʿānī (particles of meaning). However, there also exist conjunctions that function as nouns or verbs. Furthermore, a single conjunction in Arabic may possess multiple meanings. Consequently, merely recognizing the limited functional uses of conjunctions may prove inadequate for the correct and holistic comprehension of texts, and can lead to semantic misinterpretations. Due to the significance of conjunctions, numerous studies have been conducted. In these studies, conjunctions have generally been examined alongside prepositions. There also exist studies that focus on the analysis of one or a limited number of conjunctions. This dissertation, titled "Conjunctions in the Arabic Language and Their Diverse Usages," aims to classify conjunctions according to their functions, present the different usages of a given conjunction collectively to elucidate semantic distinctions, and thereby contribute to this field of study. Conjunctions can be classified from various perspectives. In this study, conjunctions have been grouped together based on their functions, such as being particles of coordination (ḥarf al-ʿaṭf), particles introducing verbal nouns (ḥarf al-maṣdar), conditional conjunctions, relative particles, exception particles, and those with adverbial meanings; those expressing cause and effect, indicating explanation; and those conveying additional meaning, similarity, contrast, and restriction. Additionally, an alternative classification has been devised in which words that function as conjunctions in one aspect are presented alongside their other usages. This approach makes it possible both to view conjunctions with similar functions collectively and to examine the various usages of a single conjunction in one place. Keywords: Arabic Language and Rhetoric, conjunction, particle, preposition