چكيده لاتين
Systemic linguistics approaches text analysis by viewing language as a means of communication and interaction between individuals. To achieve effective communication, a speaker must organize and structure their speech in a way that captures the listenerʹs attention and ensures the clear and simple transmission of meaning. For this reason, linguists have focused on studying the three language functions identified by Michael Halliday in his well-known theory of systemic linguistics: the ideational function (experiential type), the interpersonal function, and the textual function. The ideational function conveys experiences and meanings through six processes: material, mental, relational, verbal, behavioral, and existential. The interpersonal function manages the relationships between the speaker and the listener through different speech modalities. The textual function ensures textual cohesion via thematic structure and information structure. In this context, fifteen letters from Imam Ali (peace be upon him) to Muawiya, extracted from the book Tamam Nahj al-Balagha, were analyzed. The study aimed to examine these letters from six key aspects: the reason for writing the letter, the context of the situation, the ideational function through the six processes, the interpersonal function through the use of modalities, grammatical markers, and polarity, and the textual function through thematic and information structures. This analysis relied on a descriptive-statistical method to reveal the strategies and objectives behind Imam Ali’s use of language in these letters. The results show that Imam Ali focused heavily on material processes to describe tangible actions and expose his opponents. Relational processes were used to clarify the distinction between truth and falsehood, while mental processes analyzed Muawiya’s intentions. In the interpersonal function, declarative and emphatic modalities dominated to establish arguments and refute claims, while imperative modalities provided guidance and warnings. For the textual function, unmarked thematic structures were primarily used for clarity, with marked themes employed to emphasize critical points. The information structure predominantly moved from given to new information, facilitating the organized presentation of ideas. These findings highlight Imam Ali’s linguistic strategies for defending truth, exposing Muawiya’s deceit, and guiding the community towards righteous values with precision and effectiveness.
