2. Previous Scholarship on Zajal Metrics

The second chapter delivers a thorough review of previous scholarship on the metrics of Lebanese zajal. It includes a discussion and analysis of writings by Amīn Nakhleh, Buṭrus al-Bustānī, R.P.A. Dozy, Jurji Zaydān, Ibrahīm al-Ḥūrānī, C.F. Seybold, Mārūn cAbbūd, Anīs Frayḥah, Jean Lecerf, Jabbūr cAbd al-Nūr, Munīr Whaybeh, and others. The chapter concludes with the statement that much of the criticism discussed abounds in impressionistic statements, contradictions, shaky terminology and serious lack of documentation. Also striking is that none of the critics admits music, song, and stress into metrical study.