The Language Legacy: Primary Sources and Corpus Planning in Classical Arabic

Abstract This paper outlines the ideological dimensions of the codification process of Classical Arabic by discussing the role of primary sources in corpus planning. The contribution reflects on the ideology surrounding the language materials that served as the foundations for the grammar-making of Classical Arabic, emphasizing how sources are relevant for bearing linguistic value and historical significance while being particularly aligned with socio-cultural and religious values, thereby reflecting broader ideological considerations. By presenting current theoretical frameworks and assessing the state of the field, the paper highlights the essential role of extra-linguistic factors – such as social, cultural, and religious contexts – in shaping corpus planning strategies for Classical Arabic.