Two studies on Arabic speaking: Süleyman Sırrı's Teshîlü'l-Lehçe and Zeki Mugamiz's Miftâh-i Mükâleme

This study concerns the works written by Ermenekli Süleyman Sırrı and Zekî Mugamiz el-Halebî, both of whom lived in the final years of the Ottoman Empire, regarding the Arabic conversation (mukāleme). The aim of both works is the enduring problem of Arabic conversation in the past as well as in contemporary Arabic teaching. One is an Ottoman-born scholar who distinguished himself in teaching and statesmanship, while the other is an Ottoman of Arab descent known for his journalism. We believe it's important to examine the methods these two individuals followed in attempting to solve the Arabic conversation problem. Additionally, it has been a subject of curiosity how the professions and positions of these two individuals influenced the methods in their works. Therefore, the fundamental reason for writing such a study is to identify the solutions and methods presented by these two different Ottoman intellectuals for the resolution of the conversation problem and subsequently to compare them. The study was conducted through qualitative analysis and comparative methods. The first section of the study, designed in three parts, provides general information about educational institutions in the Ottoman Empire and identifies the Works taught in Arabic-related subjects. The second section is devoted to the life stories and works of the two authors being compared. Finally, in the last section, the two works are examined and compared from every aspect. As a result of this method and content-based study, it was concluded that Süleyman Sırrı found a solution to the problem of not being able to learn or speak Arabic by placing simplified daily phrases between grammar and rhetoric, translating them from Turkish to Arabic and vice versa under the guidance of a teacher. It was observed that Zeki Mugamiz's method involves attempting to dissolve grammatical rules within the context of conversation. Additionally, findings indicate that Mugamiz, being an Arab, aimed not only to convey the Arabic language and culture through his work but also had secondary objectives such as enhancing the general culture of the subjects."