Explaining the Argumentative-Persuasive Function of the Rhetorical Technique of ‘Adaptation’ based on the Argumentative Technique ‘Argument from Authority’

The rhetorical technique of “Adaptation” refers to the process of taking the sacred word [divine word/the words of religious leaders] and applying it to the speech of humans. This technique, like many other innovative techniques, is generally considered a decorative tool due to the dominance of the ornamental approach over novel science and its other functions have been neglected. The present study has tried to distance itself from this approach in a descriptive-analytical way both theoretically and practically. In this regard, on the one hand, by designing and examining the ideas of rhetoricians regarding the technique of adaptation, and on the other hand, by presenting and analyzing several examples from both the Arabic and Persian languages, it has tried to highlight the argumentative-persuasive function of this technique. Furthermore, based on one of the arguments presented by Perleman and Tyteca titled “argument from authority”, a model of the function of the technique of adaptation is presented. The conclusion of the discussion is that the speaker, based on this model, uses the sacred texts as an argument, proof, and a valid reason to confirm and prove his claim, and through it, he convinces his believing addressees.