Al-Bustan Dictionary by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Bustani: A Study in Methodology and Analysis

Abstract

The research focuses on the methodology adopted by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Bustani in compiling his dictionary Al-Bustan, the system he followed in organizing its entries and content, and his approach to analyzing linguistic materials. It also examines the principles he adhered to in his linguistic analysis. Additionally, the study explores the methodological features of the dictionary, including the use of various citations—Qur'anic verses, Qur'anic readings, Hadith, poetic references, eloquent sayings, and proverbs—which serve as evidence employed by lexicographers to validate the meanings of words. This dictionary is considered one of the Jesuit Arabic lexicons, modeled after Mouhit Al-Mouhit by Butrus Al-Bustani, with modifications to refine and simplify it. The author, in collaboration with the printing press, sought to produce a linguistic dictionary free of vulgar and archaic words while incorporating many modern terms. Furthermore, it includes vocabulary and meanings related to Christianity, as it was intended for Jesuit students rather than scholars, as was previously the case. The research concludes with a critique of the methodology and the errors found in Al-Bustan.