The Lexis Of Prophet Yusuf’s AS Negotiation Based On Social Stratification: A Discourse Analysis In Conflict Resolution And Its Application In The Modern Context

This study examines the linguistic strategies of Prophet Yusuf AS in negotiation, based on his social positioning as recorded in Surah Yusuf. The main focus is the lexical analysis of the language used by the Prophet across three different social strata: the lower class (as an adopted servant), the middle class (as a fellow prisoner) and the upper class (as a state leader). This qualitative study employs a combined approach of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) based on Fairclough’s model and classical Quranic exegesis methodology (al-Zuḥailīy), with specific attention to Quranic textual features that shape negotiation interaction. The findings show that Prophet Yusuf AS strategically adjusted his lexical choices according to his social status during interactions. In the lower class context, lexical items indicating firmness and moral stance were used to assert self-worth despite oppression. In the middle strata, he utilised intellectual credibility to influence and guide others, while in the upper class context, his communication strategy emphasised authority, integrity, persuasion, and subtle warning. The study also connects these findings to contemporary applications, particularly in resolving family and organizational conflicts such as sibling rivalry, sensitive issues, the importance of open communication, leadership integrity, transparent justice and the wisdom of managing reputation. It concludes that Yusuf’s communication model serves as a valuable reference for developing respectful, effective and inclusive negotiation approaches in addressing modern social conflicts.AbstrakKajian ini mengupas strategi linguistik Nabi Yusuf AS dalam perundingan berdasarkan latar sosial baginda dalam Surah Yusuf. Fokus utama ialah analisis leksis yang digunakan oleh baginda ketika berada dalam tiga strata sosial yang berbeza, iaitu sebagai golongan bawahan (anak angkat/orang suruhan), golongan pertengahan (rakan tahanan) dan golongan atasan (pemimpin negara). Kajian ini dilaksanakan secara kualitatif menggunakan pendekatan gabungan antara Analisis Wacana Kritis (AWK) model Fairclough dan metodologi tafsir klasik al-Zuḥailīy, dengan memberi tumpuan khusus kepada ciri teks al-Quran yang membentuk interaksi perundingan. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa Nabi Yusuf AS menyesuaikan pilihan kata secara strategik mengikut kedudukan sosial baginda ketika berinteraksi. Dalam kedudukan bawahan, tema leksis seperti pendirian yang kukuh digunakan untuk menegaskan nilai diri meskipun tertindas. Dalam strata pertengahan, baginda memanfaatkan kredibiliti ilmu untuk mempengaruhi dan membimbing, manakala dalam kedudukan atasan, strategi komunikasi baginda menekankan kuasa, integriti, pujukan dan amaran halus. Kajian ini turut mengaitkan aplikasinya dalam konteks penyelesaian konflik keluarga dan organisasi moden seperti menghadapi persaingan adik-beradik, menangani isu sensitif, kepentingan komunikasi terbuka, integriti kepimpinan, keadilan yang telus serta kebijaksanaan mengurus reputasi. Kajian ini mencadangkan agar model komunikasi baginda dijadikan rujukan dalam membina pendekatan komunikasi yang bersantun, berkesan dan inklusif dalam menangani konflik sosial semasa.