Document Type : Research paper
Authors
1 Ph.D Student of Arabic Language and Literature, University Of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, University Of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Critical discourse analysis is one of the new methods in discourse analysis and linguistic studies. It examines linguistic data, ideological processes, and situational, social, and intertextuality contexts affecting discourse formation. The analytical paradigm developed by Norman Fairclough is regarded as one of the most influential approaches to critical discourse analysis. In this view, discourse is analyzed in three levels: description, interpretation, and explanation. This descriptive-analytical study employing the approach of Fairclough analyzes the levels of the critical discourse of al-Tariq al-Tawil by Naguib al-Kilani to explicate the author's intended ideology and discourse. According to the research findings, using the function of words and their semantic relationships, positive verbs, and metaphorical sentences, Naguib al-Kilani has demonstrated his point of view in this novel. Moreover, he explains the effects of colonialism on Egyptians' lives by employing intertextuality and citing Islamic themes and Quranic verses. Al-Kilani uses a combative discourse to convey freedom and resistance to oppression. He seeks to inculcate his ideology and concepts by fortifying the combat spirit, such as obtaining freedom and independence and fighting against the colonialist adversary.
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Extended Abstract
Introduction: The method of discourse analysis provides a comprehensive explanation of different aspects of the novel to the researcher, and one of these methods is Norman Fairclough's critical discourse approach.
According to him, there is a dialectical relationship between microstructures of discourse, linguistic features, macrostructures of society, ideology, and social structures, and discourse analysis consists of three stages: description, interpretation, and explanation. Fairclough considers description the presupposition of interpretation and explanation in this proposed plan. In other words, in his critical discourse analysis, he indicates that events and texts emerge from power relations and engage in power struggles.
Methodology: This descriptive-analytical research, based on the critical elements of al-Tariq al-Tawil (The Long Path) by Naguib al-Kilani and Fairclough's critical discourse approach, examines the novel at three levels of description, interpretation, and explanation, and answers the following questions:
1- What is the most significant discourse in "al-Tariq al-Tawil"?
2- Based on Fairclough's intended levels and the audience's reception of the author's themes, how have this novel's prominent discourse characteristics and functions been realized?
Discussion and Results: This novel provides a comprehension of Egypt's political, social, and economic situation due to World War II and British colonialism until 1956. Soleyman, Said, and their families are the primary protagonists and participants of the novel. Mursi Abu Afar and the British colonists are the other protagonists in the novel. The author attempts to persuade the audience to accept his ideology by using words with a singular meaning that goes beyond their surface meaning. One of the most significant effects of this period on the Egyptian people was their depression, caused by conflict, colonization, and the difficult conditions of their existence. Therefore, al-Kilani also uses words that convey this emotion and attempts to communicate his point of view by juxtaposing some terms and creating a duality between them. Al-Kilani employs metaphor to illustrate his ideology better. In "al-Tariq al-Tawil," phrases and sentences incorporate directly or indirectly Quranic verses and Islamic themes. In the official discourse, the author has discussed colonialism's effects on individuals' lives. Additionally, he employs lines from the language of the story's protagonists in his critical discourse to challenge the official discourse and inspire people to fight against the invaders and their oppression.
Conclusion: This novel focuses on achieving freedom, independence and fighting against colonialism. The author utilizes various discourse functions across three levels: description, interpretation, and explanation.
In this novel, the author utilizes the relationships between words to convey his ideas. Additionally, using present-tense sentences adds energy and liveliness to the story. The author frequently employs positive verbs and active sentences throughout the novel. The use of metaphors and expression of ideological beliefs are also noteworthy aspects of the writing.
Through intertextuality, al-Kilani successfully established a stable discourse and gained freedom in the face of the enemy.
The social situation and struggles faced by the Egyptian people during the British occupation led to the development of a resistance discourse against the invaders. The author effectively contrasted the discourse of the colonizers with their own to drive their point home.
Keywords: Critical discourse analysis, Norman Fairclough, Naguib al-Kilani, al-Tariq al-Tawil, Colonialism
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