The stylistic of argumentation in the Vocative Expression (Ya Abati) in the Holy Quran

Abstract

dialogic and persuasive discourse, blending rhetorical finesse with pragmatic intent. This study, entitled “The Stylistics of Argumentation in the Vocative ‘Yā Abatī’ in the Qur’an: A Pragmatic Study”, examines the persuasive, affective, and cohesive dimensions of this address, underscoring its central role in shaping discourse and achieving communicative purpose.Adopting a descriptive–analytical methodology, the research identifies and analyzes occurrences of argumentative strategies within the speech of sons addressing their fathers in the Qur’anic text. Special attention is given to structural features, pragmatic functions, and their stylistic impact on the receiver.The findings reveal that the style of “Yā Abatī” strategically utilizes cohesive devices—such as inna, qad, and the conjunction wa —to reinforce textual cohesion, sustain thematic focus, and enhance the intentionality of the address. As a performative act, this vocative is intricately linked to a range of speech acts that collectively serve its persuasive objectives. Significantly, the study demonstrates that the argumentative hierarchy embedded in the “Yā Abatī” construct emerges exclusively in contexts of theological disagreement between son and father, most notably in the discourses of Prophet Ibrāhīm (peace be upon him) with his father.