Syntactic Deviations in Poetry

This article aims to explore the nature of poetic language and its functional mechanisms under the heading of syntactic deviations. These deviations are defined as deliberate and aesthetically motivated violations, distortions, or alterations of the standard grammatical and syntactic norms of a language by poets. Rather than being random or erroneous usages, such deviations constitute one of the most essential artistic techniques that enrich poetic expression, enhance its individuality, and deepen its layers of meaning. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate concretely how and why poetic language diverges from ordinary, everyday language. In this regard, selected poems from Iraqi Turkmen literature serve as practical examples that illustrate how the proposed theoretical framework operates in real poetic contexts. Through the verses of Iraqi Turkmen poets, the study seeks to reveal the aesthetic, semantic, and emotional intensity that emerges when poetry steps beyond the patterns of standard linguistic structures. The motivations driving poets to adopt such deviations include achieving musical harmony, creating density and depth of meaning, reinforcing emphasis, and establishing an original voice. After presenting the theoretical basis, the article applies it through a detailed syntactic examination of five poems selected from Iraqi Turkmen literature. It is expected that the findings will contribute both to the theory of poetic language and to a deeper understanding of the stylistic structure of Iraqi Turkmen poetry, showing that syntactic deviation is not an error but a conscious artistic strategy.