Sabk

Sabk is a term used in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu to denote style, manner, or genre of expression. In linguistic and literary contexts, it designates the characteristic features that define a work or discourse, such as tone, diction, rhythm, and structure. The word derives from Arabic sabk (سَبْك), meaning arrangement or composition, and has been borrowed into Persian as sabk (سبک) and into other languages in the broader sense of style.

In literature, scholars describe sabk-e adabi (literary style) or sabk-e jadid (modern style) to discuss trends across periods or movements. In calligraphy and architecture, sabk refers to a family of visual or decorative styles, for example calligraphic sabk or sabk-e khatt, which can point to script styles such as Nasta’liq, Naskh, or Kufic; in art history, it can classify painting or ornamentation traditions. The term thus functions as a relative label rather than a single, fixed form.

Modern usage extends sabk beyond the arts to branding and media, where it describes a person’s or organization’s overall visual language and voice—its design sabk and communicative approach across materials and platforms. This reflects a broader tendency to treat style as a coherent system that conveys identity and purpose.

Notes on usage and scope vary by language and discipline, so sabk is typically contextual and descriptive rather than prescriptive. See also stylistics, calligraphy, and design language.