Contemporary Challenges in Arabic Grammar Orthographic Conventions as a Case Study

Abu Bakr Mousa Mohammed Shoman, Alshaimaa

doi:10.21608/bfsgm.2025.443572

Contemporary Challenges in Arabic Grammar Orthographic Conventions as a Case Study

Author

Alshaimaa Abu Bakr Mousa Mohammed Shoman

Al-Azhar University

10.21608/bfsgm.2025.443572

Abstract

This study examines the contemporary challenges facing Arabic grammar, with a particular focus on orthographic conventions. Arabic spelling is governed by principles that are closely tied to grammar and morphology. It often reflects a word’s syntactic case (nominative, accusative, genitive), reveals its morphological root, or determines the appropriate form of a letter in connected structures through rules of elision or augmentation.
The study identifies key orthographic challenges, including the writing of medial and final hamzah, the rules of waṣl and faṣl, and mismatches between pronunciation and spelling, such as cases involving substitution, deletion, or addition. These issues pose particular difficulties for learners, especially in the modern context, where colloquial Arabic increasingly influences formal written usage.
The research comprises an introduction, a preface, four chapters, and a conclusion. The introduction outlines the rationale for the study, its objectives, significance, problems addressed, and methodology. Chapter One addresses the origins and development of Arabic writing. Chapter Two analyzes specific orthographic difficulties. Chapter Three presents strategies for addressing these challenges. Chapter Four examines the role of artificial intelligence in orthographic proofreading. The study concludes with key findings, recommendations, a list of references, and a subject index.
Methodologically, the research adopts a descriptive approach, identifying and analyzing recurring orthographic challenges and proposing practical solutions.
Among the central findings is that Arabic language academies have, since 1947, proposed various reforms aimed at simplifying orthographic rules. Despite these efforts, such proposals have rarely been implemented, even though they have been supported by scholars for decades. The study also notes that individual authors have played a significant role in advocating reform, often advancing proposals more freely and boldly than official institutions, which have generally preferred to preserve the traditional forms of writing.

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