The University of Jordan :: Research Groups :: From Sacred to Secular: Grammaticalization...
Synopsis

From Sacred to Secular: Grammaticalization of Religious Expressions as Catalysts of Language Change

The relationship between language and religion is profoundly evident in the grammaticalization of religious expressions into discourse markers, a process that highlights how sacred language permeates everyday communication. Religious phrases, once used exclusively in ritualistic or doctrinal contexts, often evolve into pragmatic tools that structure discourse, convey politeness, or signal emotional stances. For example, expressions like Inshallah or God willing in various languages have shifted from denoting divine dependence to functioning as markers of politeness or hesitation. This transformation underscores the dynamic nature of language change, illustrating how socio-cultural and religious practices influence linguistic structures over time. Understanding this process sheds light on how religious expressions can acquire new syntactic roles and pragmatic functions, revealing broader patterns of how language adapts to social needs. It also underscores the fluid boundaries between the sacred and the secular in linguistic evolution, offering key insights into how languages innovate while maintaining cultural continuity.

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