Contextual Meaning in War Speeches: The Speech of Ṭāriq ibn Ziyād as a Model

Abstract

This study explores the critical role of contextual meaning in war speeches, using the famous speech of Ṭāriq ibn Ziyād during the conquest of al-Andalus as a primary model. The research problem addresses how contextual meaning contributes to the strength of the speech and its effectiveness in achieving military objectives. The study adopts an analytical approach that combines literary and historical methodologies to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of persuasion and motivation in war speeches.

The findings highlight that contextual meaning is essential for comprehending war speeches, as it helps uncover the deeper purposes and meanings behind the words. The study demonstrates how Ṭāriq ibn Ziyād skillfully employed rhetorical techniques and linguistic tools suited to the specific context of battle, including the use of direct address to his soldiers and the repetition of key phrases such as “The sea is behind you, and the enemy is before you” to reinforce the reality surrounding them. This repetition was not random but a deliberate choice serving the speech’s primary goal of motivating the troops. Ṭāriq’s speech was not merely a collection of words but a sophisticated strategic plan that exploited the full potential of language—its syntactic and rhetorical contexts—to deliver a clear and decisive message. The study concludes that language in war speeches is not simply a tool of communication but a strategic instrument used to stir emotions and lead masses toward a unified objective.