Metadiscourse Markers as Devices of Persuasion in Imam Ali’s Will to Imam Al-Hassan (p.b.u.t.)

Abstract

         Generally speaking, Imam Ali wills and sermons represent a rich combination of spiritual guidance, ethical instruction, and rhetorical mastery. However, they are not given their due attention through a linguistic analysis and investigation as highly as they deserve. This leaves a gap in the literature. Thus, the present study investigates the persuasive use of interactive and interactional meta-discourse markers in Imam Ali will to Imam Hasan (p.b.u.t) employing a model mixed of Hyland’s metadiscourse markers (2005) and Aristotle’s persuasion appeals. Data analysis involves identifying and examining the use of these markers; transitions, evidentials, code glosses, frame markers, hedges, boosters, endophoric markers, self-mentions, engagement markers, and attitude markers, in the will and linking them to the persuasion appeals; ethos, pathos, and logos. These results will indicate whether the focus is on the author, the message, or the addressee. The research reveals that in the will, logos is given more attention than pathos which comes second and after that is ethos. Imam Ali (p.b.u.h.) blends the two dimensions of Markers; interactive and interactional. He connects the ideas by using transitions, engages himself in the message by means of self-mention, strengthens commitment through employing boosters, and directs address by involving engagement markers.