Sulaf, Arabic poetic meter

Sulaf: Arabic Poetic Meter Application

Sulaf is an innovative application designed specifically for enthusiasts and practitioners of Arabic poetry. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools aimed at simplifying the process of writing and analyzing poems, while also helping experienced poets refine their craft.

Overview

The application is built around the concept of Arabic poetic meters (bahar), which are fundamental to the structure and rhythm of Arabic poetry. It offers a range of features that assist in both the creation and evaluation of poems, ensuring adherence to traditional metrical rules while also supporting modern free verse compositions.

Key Features

1. Metering and Identification

Sulaf allows users to meter their poems and identify the metrical systems used. You can pinpoint the specific poetic meter (bahar) employed in your poem, observe all instances of the meter, and determine the closest meter for your work. This feature helps in identifying rhythmic errors relative to the meter, providing a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced poets.

2. Free Verse Writing

A groundbreaking feature of Sulaf is its support for free verse writing. With this feature, users can choose a specific poetic meter or rhythm and compose directly on it. As you write, the application instantly highlights any syllabic breaks or rhythmic mistakes in red, while correct syllables appear in green. This real-time feedback ensures that your poem adheres to the chosen meter, enhancing the musicality and coherence of your work.

3. Poem Creator

Utilizing the application’s extensive dictionary, Sulaf empowers users to create poems with greater flexibility. You can modify previously written verses, substitute specific words with others of the same metrical or rhythmic meter, and incorporate words from the dictionary that match the desired meter or rhythm. The Poem Creator imposes strict rhythm adjustments, making it especially useful for songwriters and those adapting songs and madrigals. Users can even clone a verse and modify the second verse through replacement, deletion, or addition, offering a versatile platform for creative expression.

4. Comprehensive Dictionary

Sulaf comes equipped with over 1.2 million words, each accompanied by detailed explanations and categorized based on the verb meter (ف،ع،ل) — F, A, L. Users can search for words with specific rhymes and determine the meter of the word, facilitating the construction of coherent and rhythmically sound poems.

5. Advanced Search Functionality

The application includes an advanced search feature within its dictionary, enabling users to determine the form of a word. For example, users can search for words ending with specific pronouns or beginning with particular prefixes based on the meter of the verbs. This functionality supports precise and targeted searches, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of word selection.

6. Cloud Storage

Users can save their poems on the cloud, allowing them to access their work from any device through the application. This feature ensures that your creative efforts are always within reach, no matter where you are.

In summary, Sulaf is a powerful tool for anyone interested in exploring and mastering the art of Arabic poetry. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced poet seeking to refine your craft, Sulaf provides the necessary resources and support to elevate your poetic endeavors.