Table Dictionary Entries - warwickfoster/qurantools GitHub Wiki

The dictionary-entries table acts as a lexicon for the Qur'an, cataloging definitions, transliterations, and related forms of words. It is a foundational resource for both linguistic analysis and translation work.

Analysis of the dictionary-entries Table

Below is a detailed analysis and description of each field in the dictionary-entries table, with the table name included as a left-hand column.

Table Name Field Name Description
dictionary-entries DICTIONARY ID A unique identifier for each dictionary entry, serving as the primary key for indexing and referencing.
dictionary-entries ENGLISH The transliterated form of the root or entry in English, providing the base representation for non-Arabic speakers.
dictionary-entries ENGLISH TRANSLITERATED A phonetic representation of the ENGLISH field in transliterated form for accurate pronunciation.
dictionary-entries ENGLISH ALT 1 An alternative English transliteration of the entry, offering additional variations or contextual representations.
dictionary-entries ENGLISH ALT 2 Another alternative English transliteration, expanding on possible interpretations or orthographic differences.
dictionary-entries ARABIC The Arabic script of the entry, preserving its original orthography for Quranic and linguistic studies.
dictionary-entries ARABIC FOR SORTING A normalized version of the Arabic script, optimized for computational sorting or indexing.
dictionary-entries COUNT The frequency of the root or entry in the Quran, aiding in lexical and thematic analysis.
dictionary-entries MEANING A detailed explanation of the root or entry, including its various meanings and semantic nuances in English.
dictionary-entries PENRICE PAGE The page number in Penrice's lexicon where the entry is discussed, providing a reference for deeper linguistic or historical analysis.
dictionary-entries LANE PAGE The page number in Lane's lexicon where the entry is detailed, offering a classical Arabic perspective and extended analysis.
dictionary-entries TYPE The classification of the entry, such as ROOT, identifying its linguistic or morphological role in the Quranic text.

Key Insights

  1. Field Relationships:

    • DICTIONARY ID uniquely identifies each entry, linking it to other datasets or tools for further linguistic or thematic exploration.
    • ARABIC and ENGLISH fields establish a bi-directional mapping between Arabic roots and their English transliterations, aiding cross-linguistic analysis.

  2. Linguistic and Semantic Depth:

    • The MEANING field provides rich semantic insights into the usage and interpretation of Quranic roots, reflecting their versatility and depth.
    • ENGLISH ALT 1 and ENGLISH ALT 2 expand on possible transliterations, addressing orthographic variations or alternative phonetic interpretations.

  3. Applications:

    • Supports lexicon development, enabling computational tools to leverage Quranic vocabulary for searches, translations, or linguistic studies.
    • Acts as a reference for Quranic recitation (tajweed) and thematic analysis by correlating word frequencies (COUNT) with their semantic roles.

Example Interpretation of Data:

  • Row 1:

    • DICTIONARY ID: 1
    • ENGLISH: Abb
    • ARABIC: ابب
    • COUNT: 1
    • MEANING: Fresh or dry herbage/vegetation of earth/pasture, fruits/vegetables.
    • Indicates that the root Abb appears once in the Quran, with meanings tied to vegetation or agricultural contexts.

  • Row 7:

    • DICTIONARY ID: 7
    • ENGLISH: Aty
    • ARABIC: اتي
    • COUNT: 549
    • MEANING: To come, come to; To bring; ... One who gives.
    • Highlights that Aty is a frequently occurring root with a broad semantic range tied to motion, giving, and causation.

Contextual Significance:

  1. Lexical Analysis:
    • By providing frequencies and detailed meanings, the table facilitates lexical studies focusing on root significance and thematic prominence in the Quran.
  2. Cross-Referencing Classical Sources:
    • The PENRICE PAGE and LANE PAGE fields link Quranic roots to classical Arabic lexicons, ensuring historical and linguistic integrity.
  3. Digital Applications:
    • This table can be integrated into Quranic apps or linguistic databases for efficient root searches, thematic studies, or interlinear text alignment.