Academic Promotional Lecture Held on the Topic of Internal Discourse Analysis in Farabi's Philosophy of Language

An academic lecture on the topic of analyzing inner speech in Farabi's philosophy of language was held, presented by Dr. Mahmoudreza Moradian, a faculty member of Lorestan University.

Background and Significance of the Issue

Abu Nasr al-Farabi, the founder of Islamic philosophy, in an innovative approach, interweaves language and logic, beginning from the common etymology of "speech" (nuttq) and "logic" (mantiq), and directing the origin of logic towards language. This connection lays the groundwork for a theory regarding the relationship between reason and language, which is detailed in his works such as *Iḥṣāʾ al-ʿulūm* (The Enumeration of the Sciences) and *Al-Ḥurūf* (On Letters).

Farabi's primary motivation for these reflections was a historical dispute between Abu Bishr Matta ibn Yunus (a logician) and Abu Sa'id al-Sirafi (a grammarian), which led to an exclusive defense of grammar over logic. Inspired by this debate, Farabi sought to explain the relationship between language and logic within a framework of mutual inclusivity.

Analysis of Inner and Outer Speech: A Tripartite Structure

In his theory, Farabi posits three dimensions for language, which are linked to the existential structure of human beings. The first dimension is the rational soul (nafs nāṭiqah), which is considered the faculty of intellect and the distinguishing power of humans, forming the existential foundation of language. The second dimension is called inner speech (nuṭq dākhilī), which encompasses intelligible concepts and mental notions residing within the soul, serving as the locus for linguistic elements. The third dimension is outer speech (nuṭq khārijī), which refers to the uttered words and expressions, considered the manifestation and translation of inner speech.

From Farabi's perspective, inner speech is the fundamental concept, and outer speech is its translation.

By emphasizing this distinction, he considers logic not merely the science of words, but a science that encompasses the rules of both types of speech. In other words, logic provides the rules for both inner and outer discourse, safeguarding humans from error in both domains.

Two Fundamental Functions of This Theory

The first function pertains to the relationship between logic and grammar. Farabi believes that logic provides universal and common rules for all languages at the level of inner speech, while grammar (syntax) deals with the specific and particular rules of each language at the level of outer speech. Logic functions as a universal grammar, and the words of any language are conventional instruments for expressing universal meanings.

Therefore, logic shares its subject matter with syntax, as it examines the rules of words, but it is distinguished from syntax by its focus on universal rules.

The second function relates to linguistic etymology and semiotics. In his book *Al-Ḥurūf*, Farabi considers language to be born from human need for communication with others.

He enumerates five stages for the development of language, starting from initial gestures and leading to the formation of letters, words, and then speech. Words are conventional signs that convey mental concepts to the listener's mind, making the process of "speech" (kalām) possible.

From Farabi's viewpoint, the primary purpose of speech is to transfer meaning from the speaker's inner self to the listener's inner self, and words serve as instruments for this transfer.

Conclusion and Significance of the Theory

Farabi's theory of inner and outer speech, inspired by Aristotle but innovatively integrating Arabic grammar with Greek logic, provided a basis for the globalization of logic.

This theory places Farabi among the first philosophers to engage in the philosophical analysis of language within the Islamic tradition, and it can be considered the starting point of structural linguistics in the Islamic world.