Toshihiko Izutsu : Introduction , Methodology of Semantic Analysis of Quran

Toshihiko Izutsu (4th May 1914-7th January 1993) is a Japanese orientalist and Islamist who adopted a different approach to study Quran. According to his theory of semantic analysis , every language has some peculiar key terms that affect forming its world view. His method of semantic analysis to interpret words and terms of Quran lies its foundation in English and other European languages. He is of the view point that Arabic is a rich language and has self sufficient system of vacobulary but its meaning has evolved during revelation of Quran. Key Terms of Quran form a semantic field to define meanings of a word or term which occurs in Quranic paradigm. A word in Quranic semantic field can have a different and enlarged meaning than its lexical meanings. The key terms of Quran he chose are Allah, Nabi, Wahy, Iman , Kafir etc. Arabic language defines ‘basic’ meaning of a word or term of Quran but ‘ relational’ meaning are defined with the context they are used.He has examined the history and evolution of meaning in Jahili or pre- Quranic ( diachronic linguistics) and Quranic Era ( synchronic linguistis). Toshihiko is also known for his Japanese translation of Quran that was fist to be interpreted directly from Arabic Quran. Key words: semantic analysis, key terms, semantic field, basic meaning , relational meaning, diachronic linguistics, synchronic linguistis