The Language of Religion
Sprache der Religion

Author : İnci ARAS
Number of pages : 266-279

Abstract

It is a well-known fact that the characteristic of the language of religion is clearly and unambiguously worded. Because the speech of God speaks directly to people. Its simplicity is noticeable in particular in the religious prohibitions and requirements because the language of religion is based on the goal of being understood correctly and unambiguously by all the people. Therefore, the sacred texts of the Islam, Christian or Jewish religions consist of should-statements or imperative forms of the informal second-person singular. The believers are required to fulfill these religious obligations and duties in these sacred texts. On the other hand, it can be noticed that some of these texts relating to the prophecies about the afterlife allow allegorical interpretations depending on the place and time. Based on this this study aims at approaching to language as a part of the culture and bringing to light the prophecies about the afterlife in sacred texts shaped by the culture. Giving special attention to influence of culture on language it is possible to notice that culture lies at the root of allegorical interpretations of these prophecies. Based on this fact, this study delves into these prophecies in these sacred texts a little further to draw attention of fundamental relations between culture and language.

Keywords

Religion, language, divine speech.

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