Argumentative Value of Image Simile in Quranic Discourse: The image of Life as Example

Abstract

This study is based on the claim that argumentation is a basic feature of ordinary  language in all its manifestations (ordinary and figurative). It is the basic function of language, including the function of communication. This characteristic of language as argumentation (contrary to the proof features of the language of logic) invests all language strategies (structural and rhetorical) to achieve persuasion. Therefore, it acquires the attribute of (value). Accepting the argumentative value means accepting the argumentative dimension in Quranic discourse. It also means that any change to this argumentative value is common because the receiver of that discourse and any discourse is a human being influenced by discourse contextual circumstances.  The psychological factor also plays a crucial function in determining the appropriate measure of argumentation in order to reach convincement.This is exactly what I endeavoured to show in the current study through the image simile of "alDunia" life in Quranic discourse. This image is characterized by controlling the value aspect of uttered argumentation, through the factors, relationships and scales of argumentation.