Archive for January, 2009
Defining the word “word.”
There are typically five ways in which people may attempt to define what a word is.
1. Orthographically
2. Phonologically
3. Integrally
4. Semantically
5. Syntactically
To define a word orthographically is to define it as a unit in the writing system. This is not a consistent definition because it depends on a number of assumptions about punctuation and compounds. It [...]
Food Poisoning
Perhaps a week ago I hurried down to the local Lebanese restaurant in my laziness and devoured my favorite – a chicken wrap with vegetables called a shawarma. Why bother cooking when the cost of living is so cheap that you can just eat out all the time? I went to sleep feeling quite warm [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 2 so far )The rage of the orientalists.
One phenomenon that has been of interest to me for much of my adult like is the subtle anger many Orientalists and those close to Orientalism seem to react with when thei methodology is questioned.
When discussions amongst thinkers and men of letters occur, it is inevitable that disagreements arise. On many occasions, individuals can disagree [...]
“Proving” the Qur’an with Science
A phenomenon that I have never quite understood is the feeling of some Muslims that they must either conduct scientific experiments or, on the other hand, reject science in order to validate their belief in the sanctity of the religion and the book of Allah (Islam and the Qur’an). I believe that this arises from [...]
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