Eloquence of Speech as Expressed on Private Monuments

Document Type : Original Article

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Associate professor, Tourist Guiding Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Alexandria, University, Egypt

Abstract

The theme of the good speech seems to have been a central one in ancient Egypt, highlighting the positive effect of eloquence and rhetorical skills in varied situations. Admiration of the good speech was noticeably articulated in varied forms and expressions. The correct use of the language was conceived as “art”. Notions of the significance of knowing when to speak, how to speak and choosing the words to say were therefore frequently encountered. Therefore, texts alternating between negative declarations and positive affirmations of speaking good were often encountered. Being knowledgeable and skilled were significant qualities echoing a wise attitude. Carefully chosen utterances were opposed to the evil speech. The studied texts shed the light on the lexicographical diversity and the perspective of how eloquence of speech was conceived. The main aim is to consider the wide range of private monuments on which the value and significance of the good speech was recorded, reflecting wisdom and knowledge. Examples were encountered on varied medium such as tomb inscriptions, stelae, and statues. The one eloquent of speech was characterized as being ‘skilled in speech’, ‘foremost of speech’, one who speaks in situations of wrath’, and ‘precise when he speaks’. Expressions that designate the good speech were related to the mouth, the tongue, and the utterances such as ‘precise of speech’ and ‘wise of tongue’.

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