Journal of the College of Languages

In his masterpiece The Prophet, Gibran Kahlil Gibran presents his unwavering faith and profound belief in the healing and comprehensive power of love that brings humans to sublime ideas and elevates their souls and behavior. The current study aims to find out the stylistic devices utilized to represent the concept of love based on the hypothesis that Gibran tends to use certain stylistic effects to convey his meaning. The study adopts Leech and Short’s (2007) framework of stylistic analysis to analyze the lexical items and figures of speech in selected extracts from the book. The findings reveal that Gibran prefers concrete nouns, dynamic verbs, and physical adjectives to abstract nouns, stative verbs, and psychological adjectives to show his energetic and realistic perspective on love. Finally, for figures of speech, Gibran mostly depends on personification, referring to love as a person capable of doing actions (beckons to you, gathers you, etc.) besides simile and metaphor.

The study conducted a pragmatic analysis of Nigeria's re-introduced national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, in order to examine the communicative functions of the anthem and the ways in which language was used to convey national identity, unity, and duty. Using a mixed-method approach through Searle’s Speech Act and Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics theories, a qualitative line-by-line analysis was first performed, before categorizing the locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts, which were analysed quantitatively. The study showed distinct speech acts, including admiring, asserting unity, and encouraging duty, asserting values, declaring, promising, committing, and praying. Statistical analysis of the frequency of illocutionary acts revealed that “praying” was the most frequent illocutionary act, appearing in two lines (25%), while other acts, such as “admiring” and “asserting unity,” occurred once each (12.5%). The study also examined the verbs used in the anthem, categorizing them into Austin's typology of exercitives, behavitives, and verdictives. The analysis found that behavitives, which relate to behaviour and social conduct, dominated the anthem (50%), followed by exercitives (37.5%) and verdictives (12.5%). The findings revealed that the anthem primarily utilised speech acts that promoted national unity, service, and respect for the country's values, with a significant focus on divine intervention and guidance.

This research explores the various forms of resistance embedded in Dunya Mikhail's poetry through a feminist lens, focusing on her articulation of women's struggles against socio-political injustices. Analyzing Mikhail's poetry alongside critical feminist theory, the study reveals that her work employs nuanced imagery and subversive language to challenge oppressive structures, emphasizing themes of female agency, identity, and resilience. Key findings indicate that Mikhail's poetry not only critiques the socio-political landscape but also advocates for empowerment and social change, making a vital connection between personal narratives and broader feminist movements. The significance of these insights extends beyond literary analysis, highlighting the importance of creative expression in addressing issues of physical health and emotional well-being, particularly for marginalized voices affected by systemic oppression. Accordingly, this paper offers a new reading of Dunya Mikhail’s poetry in the light of Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, suggesting that the former’s female characters challenge societal and cultural limitations to engage in a fluid, performative gender identity that redefines the parameters of feminist representations. Through a reconstructed sense of self, their flaws serve as a catalyst to redefine gender identity, not as a static defect or source of despair, but as an exploratory realm from which new expressions of the self or identity can arise This paper examines how Mikhail's poeticportrayalof womenembodiesfeminist resistanceviasymbolic defiance, fluidity, and nonconformity. By placing Mikhail’s work in the context of feminist theory and post-war sociopolitical dynamics in Iraq, the paper uncovers how gender identity acts as a point of resistance and how poetic language functions as a transformative medium for self-expression.

This paper considers how black experiences are formed by identity and racial tensions reflected in the play "Fairview" by Jackie Sibblies Drury. The concept of identity will be the starting point of the discussion in relation to membership of social groups. The paper thereafter turns to the question of identity, mainly with respect to ethnicity, gender, and race, showing how the whole understanding of African-American culture and literature has been couched within the question of identity because of historical segregation and oppression. The study is built on three axis; the first axe shows the necessity for white people to deal with racism. The second axe concerns the power complexities with white viewership and the need for white creatives to realize their blind spot. The third axis examines the meta-theatrical elements of the play that present a critique toward traditional theatrical representations of black experiences. The paper will then turn to an examination of the multifaceted themes of identity and racial tensions in the play: what exactly is the difficulty that the characters have in reconciling real and perceived identities, and just how far Keisha goes in asking her audience to switch racial roles. The paper brings out the minute details of the rich complexities surrounding identity and racial dynamics expounded in the play

This study tackles the concepts of love and grief within the framework of Sufi and Islamic contexts to identify how figures of speech are deployed to explore the themes of love and grief and their interconnectivity in Rumi’s selected poems. The study also aims to unlock the ideological implications in relation to these two themes and their relationship in the poems. Consequently, Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis (henceforth CDA) is adopted in this study to conduct a critical discourse analysis of two selected poems from Jalalluddin Rumi’s translated poetic collection entitled The Book of Love: Poems of Ecstasy and Longing, using three levels of analysis; textual, discursive and social. The results reveal that Rumi deploys a preponderant and diverse range of figures of speech which include metaphor, personification, contrast, hyperbole, rhetorical question, symbol, simile, allusion and repetition. This is in order to intensify the crucial interconnectivity of love and grief during the individual’s spiritual experience of divine love that can only thrive on sacrifice, hardships and tribulations that cultivate and motivate lovers to gain self-maturity in seeking for spiritual union. Therefore, grief is figuratively represented by Rumi as a motivational and transformative elementthat accompanies love on its indescribable, experiential and spiritual path.Similarly, the three-dimensional analysis of this interconnectivity unveils a set of implied Islamic ideologies and some universal teachings as well which calls for reconsidering the common Western idea of classifying Rumi’s works as love poetry

The study deals with the translation shortcomings that lead to distortion in the transmission of the cultural identity of Mosul as enshrined in the novel Al-Shahwan, which serves as an accurate mirror of the historical background and heritage of Mosul. The study aims to identify the hurdles that translators pass through their attempt to maintain some aspects of the cultural identity-related to geographic, linguistic, cultural, and historical contents in the process of transferring the texts from Arabic to English. The model used in the research is that of 12 deforming tendencies by Antoine Berman, which serves as a theoretical framework on how to identify and classify translation shortcomings that mostly lead to cultural identity morphosis in translations, among these are over-clarification, expansion, reduction in cultural identity. The study also relies on content analysis and thus compares source texts to last translations in order to identify deficiencies that impact the transmission of cultural identity. The findings refer to very broad deficiencies in conveying Mosul's symbolic and cultural elements, with the end result being a translated text that minimally treats the original message. Such errors include, but are not limited to: over-explanation leading straight into the fray of art and unavailability of regional symbols. The study proposes a number of recommendations for countering these translational failures, e.g. training translators to grasp the symbolic meanings of texts and instituting increased collaboration between authors and translators to facilitate the cultural transference. It also emphasizes the application of analytical models as tools to evaluate translation quality and preserve the cultural integrity of literary works to allow for accurate dissemination of cultural heritage, and preserving it for furture generations.

This paper examines the influence of extreme capitalism within the pharmaceutical industry and the existence of sentient robots within the context of transhumanism in the American novel Autonomous (2017) by Annalee Newitz (1969- ). It also utilizes the theory of deontological ethics to clarify the ethical state of this futuristic world within the novel. Additionally, the application of virtue ethics is an attempt to select an ethical theory that aligns with the future of technological advancements. As technology rapidly progresses, resulting in extreme shifts in the ethical, political, and societal spheres, it becomes important to uphold ethical principles that would survive the test of time. Such ethical principles would be influential in cases where existing theories about ethics become insufficient in coping with the impact of ever-increasing technological progress. The paper also explores how Autonomous critiques the commodification of medicine by big pharma, as well as the ethics of merging man and machine against the backdrop of deontology.
This is primarily accomplished by employing textual analysis to explore and contextualize the pharmaceutical company “Zaxy” within the deontological system of ethics. It also examines the events in Autonomous in relation to real-world circumstances and delves into the consequences that arose from the existence of sentient robots and how deontology would view those consequences, especially the extension of human rights to machines. In seeking to discover an ethical theory that holds value in the future, character analysis is done from the perspective of virtue ethics as a possible solution to the lack of certainty concerning the future of technological progress. The findings reveal that Autonomous reflects a common concern about transhumanism: its potential to amplify some negative aspects of capitalism. This is illustrated by the depiction of humans as a tool for profit, and by the limited access to new medicine, all of which are contradictory to the imperative of deontological ethics. The study concludes that character virtue serves as an anchor for proper ethical behavior in a future where the concept of ethics itself is redefined. However, balancing the demands of the drug patent system with the necessity to pursue the well-being of the public remains an unresolved ethical challenge.

This research explores the image of women between two different eras by comparing the character of Eugénie in the novel Eugénie Grandet by Balzac and the character of Laura in the novel La Fille qu'on appelle by Tanguy Viel. It highlights the changes in the status of women from the 19th century to the present day, with Eugénie reflecting submission to the social norms of her time, while Laura embodies a model of a modern and independent woman who suffers from submission to male political authority.
The research discusses the differences and similarities between the two characters in terms of personal development and social conflicts. It concludes that the French novel, despite its development, still reflects the persistent challenges of women in their quest for independence and freedom. The analysis also highlights significant similarities. Despite the two centuries between them, the two main characters suffer from different manifestations of male oppression. These differences in forms of resistance reflect the depth of social transformations between the two eras. While Eugénie's battle took place within the family and limited surroundings, Laura's struggle expands to the public sphere and authority institutions, revealing new complexities in the forms of male domination in the modern era.
In conclusion, the article demonstrates that while French novels reflect evolving social norms, they continue to expose persistent obstacles to female emancipation. The mechanisms of domination have become more sophisticated, but the quest for complete autonomy remains an unfinished struggle.

Racism in the United States has been one of the most significant issues in society. As a committed existentialist French writer, Jean-Paul Sartre, tackles this issue in his play The Respectful Prostitute. This notable 20th-century literary work portrays racism in American society during that era. The main character, Lizzie, embodies American culture, which perpetuates racism, yet gradually learns to stand against it. On the other hand, Fred represents the extremist racists who never reject racism, thus prioritizing all citizens without exception, even criminals, at the expense of Black individuals, who are deemed guilty in any case. As for the Senator, he reflects the politicians who manipulate the American people and lead them toward racism through deceitful political slogans and false promises. Sartre’s work serves as an artistic masterpiece, unveiling the truth about society and refining it. It also advocates for the importance of freedom to liberate oneself from all feelings of hatred and racism.

The problem of differences in conceptual frameworks and systems between languages is one of the main problems in translation theory and practice. Given its importance, this problem is chosen as the subject of this study. This paper aims to identify ways to analyse it and develop effective solutions that help overcome the difficulties translators face in the translation process. To illustrate the problem under study, specific examples were chosen to help clarify the research idea and provide answers to key aspects of the research topic. One of the main topics addressed in the article is the concept. It is a general mental structure that includes a system of concepts that reflect reality. It is linked to surrounding objects and phenomena through the symbols they represent. Therefore, a concept can be defined as a system consisting of moral and cultural ideas symbolically linked to a specific reality and expressed in linguistic forms. One of the most important conclusions of the study is the necessity for the translator to be familiar with the cultural and linguistic environment of both the source and target languages. Particular attention should be paid to vocabulary related to the environmental and cultural reality of both linguistic systems. This allows for the accurate transmission of the meaning of the text and makes it more comprehensible to native speakers of the target language.

This article examines the role and significance of the concept of time in the rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, an outstanding Persian poet and philosopher. Khayyam deeply explores temporal categories, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the value of enjoying the present moment. The article also analyzes the artistic role this concept plays in his rubaiyat and the semantic weight it carries.
Furthermore, the article analyzes the works of Russian poets inspired by Khayyam's rubaiyat, such as Sergey Yesenin, Konstantin Efimov, and Konstantin Balmont. These poets, inspired by Khayyam's rubaiyat, reinterpret his ideas about time and existence, allowing them to create new literary forms and images. Attention is given to the existential aspects of time in Khayyam’s works, as well as the philosophical meanings embedded in epithets and metaphors.
The article reveals the characteristic features of quatrains, as well as the epithets and artistic-expressive methods used to convey philosophical thought. It also highlights the cultural interconnections between Persian and Russian literature, emphasizing how the exchange of motifs and themes deepens philosophical reflections on human existence. The relevance of this study lies in the need to recognize universal issues that concern poets from various cultures and eras. The analysis reveals that the concept of time is not only a central theme in Khayyam's work but also lays the foundation for further interpretations in the poetry of Russian authors.

This research is an analysis and comparison of vowel changes between the Turkish language and the Turkmen dialect in Aydın Aslan's poems National Feelings. The reason for choosing this topic is to study the exact written and spoken Turkmen dialect, and comparing it to the Turkish language and delving into it to uncover many of its hidden trends. It also aims to better express the poet in the Turkmen literature and introduce him to the audience. Since the Turkmen poetry touches on reality and its vocabulary is renewed according to its development, and has a history replete with authenticity, we approach poetry and qoriyat as a means of communicating ideas, advice and guidance.
In this research, the introduction provides a brief overview of the Turkmen literature, as well as information on its branches. It also reveals the poet's birthplace, as he grew up and studied in Kirkuk. Then, the study of phonetics is explained, its characteristics are highlighted and linked to the letters of the Turkmen dialect, and compared with examples to the Turkish language. The poet's national feelings poems are also written, along with transcribing the original texts and making the necessary changes to letter combinations to suit the Turkmen dialect. This is because the letters differ in form, structure, and meaning. Finally, important features of the Turkmen dialect and its characteristics are highlighted.

Nahj al-Balagha is considered a mirror of Arab culture in addition to being a religious book with human themes, in which Imam Ali (AS) used the cultural elements of that time, including the camel and its semantic auras, to express his experiences and convey his thoughts. The translation of these elements, due to their inclusion of concepts and semantic halos related to Arab culture, the lack of clear Persian equivalents, and their importance in reflecting the cultural atmosphere governing Nahj al-Balagha, has made the task of translation difficult and further emphasizes the necessity of paying close attention to accurate translation and its full reflection in the target language. Peter Newmark (2011) is one of the theorists who focused on cultural elements in translation and proposed solutions for their transfer.
In this article, we attempt to analyze how Dashti, Shahidi, and Foladvand translated these elements by applying Newmark’s model, using a descriptive-analytical method. The importance of the camel and its semantic halos is considered one of the most widely used cultural elements in Nahj al-Balagha, and thus, we place it under critical examination. The findings of the research indicate that the translators employed various methods, with literal translation, cultural equivalence, and content analysis being the most frequently used. However, it would have been better if they had, in some cases, used an integrated and explanatory approach to achieve greater accuracy in translation.

Narratology is one of the branchs of literary criticism that studies narratives. According to structuralists such as Grimas, stories and narrative, in their different forms, follow patterns and such patterns can be explored to achieve a better understanding of the story. Today, examining narrative works in terms of form and structure is of great importance in the field of narratology. Therefore, the authors in this study have attempted to examine and analyze the short story The Village of Letters using Grimas's model. For this purpose, after explaining the main principles of this theory, the story in question along with its factors and actors have been adapted. The findings of the study suggest that the role and function of each of the three pairs of action factors, narrative plot and main theme in the story of the Village of Letters can be discussed and criticized. By examining the underlying structure and deep structure of the narrative and action factors of the story in question, it can be seen that the character of Hasan is in complete agreement with the actor in Grimas's theory. The goal he pursues is based on persevering, not despairing, and making a creative effort to solve the problem at hand, which is considered the value object in Grimas's narrative elements. The most important factor that drives Hassan towards his goal is the lack of cooperation of the letter Ra with him when he needed it.

Despair and the lack of a positive and hopeful outlook, along with the destruction of one’s purposeful efforts, are themes that lead to poor mental health. In positive psychology, it is believed that concepts such as despair can lead to various illnesses. This study aims to examine despair in Naguib Mahfouz’s The Beggar and Abbas Maroufi's Symphony of the Dead using an analytical-descriptive approach to examine its impact on the characters’ behaviour, as well as to reveal the prevailing atmosphere in the two novels. The results indicate that the despair and boredom dominating the novels are primarily due to the sick and depressed character of Omar. Economic conditions do not play a significant role in this context, although oppressive conditions are not without influence. In the novel Symphony of the Dead, boredom and despair are symbolic and significant as two fundamental and prominent feelings in the world the author depicts. These feelings often arise due to the pessimistic conditions and the unsatisfactory endings described for the characters and society. The conflict between tradition and modernity in family and society, as well as the outbreak of World War II, are among the reasons for this despair, which manifests in themes such as the description of sorrow, atmospheres filled with despair, boredom in marital and familial relationships, regret, weakness, and incapability.

The problem of rebellion is considered one of the features of rapid changes that a society undergoes in all spheres and directions of life, especially in the realm of social relations, customs, traditions, values, and principles. Rebellion may manifest itself in rebellion against oneself, against values or traditions, or against social or governmental authority. One may find that submission plays a vital role in all of these interactions.
This study deals with the problem of rebellion in the works of two renowned authors: The French Gustave Flaubert and the Israeli Amos Oz, through two main characters who share similar qualities and traits. Emma Bovary and Henna Konin demonstrate this through their rebellion against themselves, their relationship with society and family, and their relationship with customs and traditions. They appeared in manifestations of rebellion at times and submission at others. Rebellion and submission also emerged through the two authors’ relationship.
It seems that the two authors' connection in the rebellion issue was characterized by behavioral and psychological issues, which resulted from physiological and psychological changes that influenced their conduct and gave rise to severe psychological difficulties. They felt lost and alienated because they were unable to face them. As a result, they rebelled against traditions, values, and practices, which in turn led to unacceptable aggressive tendencies.This, in turn, led to the two characters’ tendency towards rebellion and revolution against authority, whether that of the family or society in general.