Authors

• Neda Amin ¹
• Yahya Talebian ²

¹ Ph.D. Graduate in Persian Language and Literature from Allameh Tabataba’i University (n_amin25@yahoo.com).

² Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Allameh Tabataba’i University.

Abstract

We aim to decipher the repeated and meaningful usage of various kinds of expression devices for "Focus" in "In Expressing Ceremonials of Sufism" and "Ceremonials of Reclusion" from the book Al-Insān al-Kāmil according to the functional approach of Halliday. We try to accomplish this goal by analyzing the textual order and the sequence of words in the Theme/‌‌Rheme part through paying attention to information structure, themes ' sort, unmarked/marked sentence structure, adverb function, negation adjunct in sentences and meaningful paragraphs in these two epistles. Our research shows that the marked structures of the sentence which mostly convey focus, have widespread usage of interpersonal themes (Modal/Usuality/ Probability), the remarkable usage of adverbs of frequency and focus concept, creation of restriction using adverbs of negation and adverbs of focus, induction of the concept of focus along with conjunctions of expression of cause, usage of repetition as an focus devices, and finally, the usage of expression devices for focus in sentences with unmarked structures. This implies that the writer's discourse is centered on focus. The study is descriptive-analytical and by locating the text in its context, conducts the data analysis which demonstrated that the purpose of this research is not repeating what is available in the already existing literature on this subject, but to highlight "emphasis and significance" in the mind of the readers. Finally, the argument represents that the dominant discourse of Nasafi in the two epistles was didactic-emphasis and the writer used every sort of emphasis in the Persian language to induce this discourse.

Keywords

• Keywords: Al-Insān al-Kāmil
• Focus
• Sufism
• Information Structure
• Didactic Discourse
• Nasafi