The Interest of Algerian Scholars in the Art of Letter Writing: A Statistical and Analytical Study

Abstract

The art of letter writing, as it is known, is a form of prose that began in Arabic literature during the era of documentation, especially when official correspondence offices were established and the territory of the Arab Islamic Caliphate expanded. It became necessary to have writers who would convey the caliphs’ orders to governors or explain political and social matters. From there, attention to letters began to grow. In addition to expressing their specific subject, the writer would strive to make their style beautiful, impactful, and coherent in both form and content, allowing their personality, originality, and unique method of expression and composition to shine through. Several Algerian scholars became well-known in this field. Letter writing also came to be characterized by specific features, including the harmony between subject and style, attention to composition, use of rhyme in particular, and observance of pauses to create pleasure or demonstrate verbal eloquence.

Keywords

• letter writing
• literature
• subject
• formality
• artistry