An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur'an

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Middle East Religions, Koran, Islam
Cover of the book An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur'an by Andrew G. Bannister, Lexington Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Andrew G. Bannister ISBN: 9780739183588
Publisher: Lexington Books Publication: April 24, 2014
Imprint: Lexington Books Language: English
Author: Andrew G. Bannister
ISBN: 9780739183588
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication: April 24, 2014
Imprint: Lexington Books
Language: English

The Qur’an makes extensive use of older religious material, stories, and traditions that predate the origins of Islam, and there has long been a fierce debate about how this material found its way into the Qur’an. This unique book argues that this debate has largely been characterized by a failure to fully appreciate the Qur’an as a predominately oral product.

Using innovative computerized linguistic analysis, this study demonstrates that the Qur’an displays many of the signs of oral composition that have been found in other traditional literature. When one then combines these computerized results with other clues to the Qur’an’s origins (such as the demonstrably oral culture that both predated and preceded the Qur’an, as well as the “folk memory” in the Islamic tradition that Muhammad was an oral performer) these multiple lines of evidence converge and point to the conclusion that large portions of the Qur’an need to be understood as being constructed live, in oral performance.

Combining historical, linguistic, and statistical analysis, much of it made possible for the first time due to new computerized tools developed specifically for this book, Bannister argues that the implications of orality have long been overlooked in studies of the Qur’an. By relocating the Islamic scripture firmly back into an oral context, one gains both a fresh appreciation of the Qur’an on its own terms, as well as a fresh understanding of how Muhammad used early religious traditions, retelling old tales afresh for a new audience.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Qur’an makes extensive use of older religious material, stories, and traditions that predate the origins of Islam, and there has long been a fierce debate about how this material found its way into the Qur’an. This unique book argues that this debate has largely been characterized by a failure to fully appreciate the Qur’an as a predominately oral product.

Using innovative computerized linguistic analysis, this study demonstrates that the Qur’an displays many of the signs of oral composition that have been found in other traditional literature. When one then combines these computerized results with other clues to the Qur’an’s origins (such as the demonstrably oral culture that both predated and preceded the Qur’an, as well as the “folk memory” in the Islamic tradition that Muhammad was an oral performer) these multiple lines of evidence converge and point to the conclusion that large portions of the Qur’an need to be understood as being constructed live, in oral performance.

Combining historical, linguistic, and statistical analysis, much of it made possible for the first time due to new computerized tools developed specifically for this book, Bannister argues that the implications of orality have long been overlooked in studies of the Qur’an. By relocating the Islamic scripture firmly back into an oral context, one gains both a fresh appreciation of the Qur’an on its own terms, as well as a fresh understanding of how Muhammad used early religious traditions, retelling old tales afresh for a new audience.

More books from Lexington Books

Cover of the book Emerging Scholarship on the Middle East and Central Asia by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book New Directions for International Relations by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book Manipulating Images by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book Promoting Global Competence and Social Justice in Teacher Education by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book Horrific Humor and the Moment of Droll Grimness in Cinema by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book Embodied Difference by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book René Girard and Creative Mimesis by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book Rethinking Mao by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic in World Politics by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book Grounds for Respect by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book The Intertwining of Aesthetics and Ethics by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book Steadfast Movement around Micronesia by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book The Islamic State by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book Phenomenology of Film by Andrew G. Bannister
Cover of the book The Communicated Stereotype by Andrew G. Bannister
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy