Arab Culture Research Articles

Jews Stereotypes in the Arabic and Spanish Cultures: A Comparative Study

Objectives: This study primarily aims to investigate the stereotype of Jews in Arabic and Spanish cultures, where they are similarly described and portrayed. It also seeks to demonstrate that Jews are, to a great extent, negatively depicted in both cultures, emphasizing that societal stereotypes about Jews largely align in both contexts. Methods: The methodology of the study involves identifying specific stereotypes of Jews present in both Arabic and Spanish cultures. To practically compare these stereotypes, the study examines nine Quranic verses representing Jewish stereotypes and nine Spanish proverbs expressing the same stereotypes. The stereotypes are then compared across cultures. Results: The main finding of this study is that stereotypes about a particular community or nation can stem from deeply rooted literature, whether divine, like the Quran, or non-divine, like proverbs. The study concludes that Arabs and Spanish share similar negative viewpoints about Jews. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that Jews are similarly depicted in Arabic and Spanish cultures. It also highlights that both the Qur'an and Spanish proverbs serve as significant cultural and authentic references, sharing the same negative viewpoint about Jews. Furthermore, the study concludes that the impact of the Qur'an on Arabic culture is parallel to the influence of proverbs on Spanish culture.

Methods of Terminology Development for Al-Tahtawi

Objectives: In the 19th century, a problem arose concerning the Arabic language in the cultural interaction between Arabs and the French. The French had an advantage in using a language adapted to the pace of scientific progress. In contrast, the Arabic language did not linguistically evolve compared to the French language, leading to terminology issues. This study aims to identify the translation methods and techniques used by Rifa'a al-Tahtawi in his writings to address these terminology challenges. The study highlights the role of translation in formulating and constructing terms, as the Arab culture in the 19th century witnessed continuous progress in this field. Methods: The study adopted an analytical approach, examining examples and other relevant studies to draw conclusions based on relevant sources. Results: Rifaa al-Tahtawi launched the project of developing terminology based on various translation techniques, including semantic and literal translations. The resulting methods included the revival of ancient words and its use for the average citizen, Arabization, and finally, generating new terms. This enriched the Arabic language with new scientific and progressive vocabulary. Conclusions: Thus, it can be concluded that a language remains alive through its interaction with other languages, and translation proved to be one of the primary channels for introducing terminology into the Arabic language.

Streetcars: A Comparative Study between Elia Kazan’s A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) and Its Various Adaptations by Egyptian Cinema

Abstract This paper probes into the issue of censorship in Egyptian cinema compared to Hollywood during the second half of the twentieth century. It discusses Egyptian censorship regulations and governmental interference in the film industry and their impact on film reception. Conducted over six months, this research specifically investigates three Egyptian film adaptations of Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), which are Inhiraf (Aberration) (1985), Alfarisa (Prey) (1986) and Al-Raghba (Desire) (2002). These adaptations are scrutinized through the lens of the Egyptian censorship code and the way these film adaptations may have promoted an Americanization of Arab culture is examined.

"Dialectics of soul" and other psychological techniques in the novel "The Last Day" by Mikhail Naimy

The object of the study is the novel "The Last Day" by the Lebanese writer Mikhail Naimy. The subject of the study was the "dialectic of the soul" and "stream of consciousness", that is, techniques for describing the human condition borrowed from Leo Tolstoy masterpieces. For one day, the soul of Musa al-Askari overcomes severe suffering, it dies and is reborn in a new form. A small person turns into a strong personality. Psychological techniques for describing borderline human states, taken from Fyodor Dostoevsky, also helped the Lebanese writer to reveal the depths of the hero's personality. The scientific novelty of the article is that the Russian writers' techniques are found in the little-studied Arabic novel "The Last Day" that is an illustration of the Russian literature influence on Arab culture. For the first time in Russian literary study, this novel is analyzed from the "dialectic of the soul" perspective. The research was conducted on the basis of historical, literary, comparative methods, using scientific methods of observation and description, analysis and synthesis. As a result, it is noted that the novel narrative is organized according to the psychological realism, in which there is a psychological analysis passed through the stream of consciousness, an internal monologue and the dialectic of the soul. The authors conclude that Naimy took a humanistic approach and a special psychological manner of narration from Russian literature, including Tolstoy and Dostoevsky's works, to convincingly prove that a person is a fine–tuned mechanism, that kindness will save the world, and the secret of happiness lies in serving people. The practical significance of the research is that its results develop the topic of cultural ties between Lebanon and Russia. The article contributes to the development of Arabic literature, which remains poorly studied by Russian literary study.

Maojok: Akulturasi Ilmu Gramatika Arab di Minangkabau (Studi Kasus Pondok Pesantren Nurul Yaqin, Ringan-Ringan)

This research aims to describe the process of acculturation of Arabic grammar in Minangkau using the maojok method. The method used in the research is a qualitative method. Data was obtained by means of interviews, observations and documents. The results of this research show that the maojok method which is an integral part of the learning process at the Nurul Yaqin Islamic Boarding School is a real implementation of the concept of acculturation. Assimilation occurs through combining Arabic language patterns with Minangkabau language in this method. Integration is realized in an effort to maintain local cultural identity while combining elements of Arab culture. Accommodation is seen in joint efforts between teachers and students to create a harmonious learning situation by combining the two cultures. Meanwhile, cultural defense is reflected in the continued use of the maojok method as a cultural heritage of Islamic boarding schools that must be maintained.

Al-Balāghah’s Legacy in Modern Secular Journalism

Abstract Contemporary studies have already explored al-Risālah magazine’s (1933–1953) dynamic role in championing a far-reaching secular-grounded educational mission— which was made more urgent by the encounter with Western innovations. Still, little attention has been paid to the journal’s strong linkages with Arabic classical heritage. This article argues that al-Risālah’s writings employed concepts and terminology related to al-balāghah, or eloquence, that were by turns accurate, controversial, and innovative. These uses enriched the spectrum of al-balāghah’s applicability also to the discussion of current preoccupations with other fields like psychology. While accounting for thought-provoking works like Tāhā Ḥusayn’s al-Bayān al-ʿarabī min al-Jāḥiẓ ilā ʿAbd al-Qāhir [The Arabic Bayān, from al-Jāḥiẓ to ʿAbd al-Qāhir, 1933,] Amīn al-Khūlī’s al-Balāghah wa-ʿilm al-nafs [al-Balāghah and Psychology, 1939,] and al-Zayyāt’s Difāʿun ʿan al-balāghah [In Defense of al-Balāghah, 1945] as pioneering studies towards the new conceptualizations of the discipline up to the mid-half of the twentieth-century, this study purports to trace the presence of al-balāghah in al-Risālah’s articles in both quantitative and qualitative terms through the employment of DH tools for data mining. By mapping the ontological shifts that occurred in traditional languages and concepts’ employment as both contrastive and continuous, the present inquiries showcase modern Arab culture’s dialectics of secularism and literary revisionism as self-sufficient, culturally embedded and integrated, and not as byproducts of contact with the West.

Exploring the Challenges and Needs of Arab Patients for Arabic Communication in Malaysian Healthcare Public Relations

Arabic communication is fundamental particularly for the Malaysian healthcare industry that handles the raising number of Arab patients coming to Malaysia to seek healthcare treatment. However, studies showed that most Arab patients are unable to speak other than their mother tongue language which is Arabic language, and they are very attached to their unique culture, which makes them prefer specialized services at healthcare centers. Thus, this research aims at acquiring the challenges faced by Arab patients and their utmost needs toward Arabic communication aspects to be addressed by healthcare personnel while attending them. This qualitative research employed semi-structured interview using needs analysis theory by Hutchinson and Waters (1987) toward 6 Arab patients at 5 different selected healthcare centers in Klang valley. The results demonstrated that the informants faced communication problems with limited understanding of formal Arabic including management and promotional issues. In addressing these problems, informants indicated their needs toward a competent healthcare public relations personnel who are able to assist them in their communication issues especially related to translation and interpretation, as well as knowledgeable in Arabic dialects and culture to boost effective communication. Good handling of Arabic communication with Arab patients has the potential to expedite the overall processes and procedures at all levels of healthcare management and hinder unprecedented problems throughout the entire process.

Navigating New Horizons: Challenges and Opportunities for Eritrean Expatriates in the U.S.

This research employ qualitative research methodology to explores the challenges and opportunities faced by Eritrean expatriates in America. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven Eritrean expatriates living in different states in the United States. The study sought to answer three research questions: What challenges do Eritrean expatriates face in America? What opportunities do Eritrean expatriates perceive in America? How do Eritrean expatriates experience and perceive the process of adaptation to their local communities in America? The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, and three major themes emerged that answered the research questions formulated: perceptions of challenges, perceptions of opportunities, and perceptions of adaptation. Eritrean expatriates reported various challenges, including cultural differences, social isolation, lack of resources, and legal challenges. Some expatriates expressed a desire to return home but felt trapped due to the difficulties of reintegration.Despite the challenges, expatriates also reported opportunities, including access to better education, job opportunities, and the space to express oneself. The cultural clash between Arabic and American cultures was highlighted as a barrier to adaptation in America.

Attitude Towards AI: Potential Influence of Conspiracy Belief, XAI Experience and Locus of Control

The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, exemplified by Large Language Models (LLM), has ushered in a transformative era across various fields. As the AI revolution will impact societies in complex and uncertain ways, it is likely that persons tending towards belief of conspiracy theories also tend to form more negative and less positive attitudes towards AI. Such persons might believe that some evil force will use AI to destroy human mankind. Drawing on the Interplay of Modality, Person, Area, Country/Culture, and Transparency categories (IMPACT) framework, this study aims to investigate the interplay of locus of control (LOC), belief in conspiracy theories, and the perception of the importance and availability of eXplainable AI (XAI) on attitudes towards AI (measured via AI acceptance and fear). The study used an online survey with 281 participants from the UK and 281 from the Arab world. Statistical analysis revealed that in the UK but not in the Arab sample, female participants reported higher fear of AI and lower acceptance of AI compared to males. The regression results consistently confirmed the role of internal LOC, perceived XAI importance, and perceived availability of XAI in fostering AI acceptance, as well as the role of belief in conspiracy theories, external LOC, and perceiving availability of XAI as being low in increasing fear of AI. The perceived availability of XAI emerges as a crucial influencing factor; addressing it appropriately could enhance societal awareness and acceptance of AI while reducing fear. Personal factors and XAI influence attitudes towards AI in both Arab and UK cultures, enhancing result robustness and revealing nuanced differences.

Metaphern der Liebe in den Gedichten ‚Erklär mir, Liebe‘ von Ingeborg Bachmann und ‚Worte‘ von Nizar Qabbani

This study explores the conceptualization of love metaphors and linguistic images in German-speaking and Arabic cultures. Using George Lakoff and Mark Johnson’s metaphor theory, the analysis focuses on two poems: Nizar Qabbani’s ‘Worte’ and Ingeborg Bachmann’s ‘Erklär mir, Liebe.’ Both cultures perceive love between man and woman as challenging. Qabbani’s poem portrays it as an illusion, while Bachmann’s poem presents it as inexplicable. Interestingly, the metaphors used in the poems are universally understandable, transcending cultural boundaries. Both poems depict love through its absence, revealing a shared desire for romantic love. Bachmann’s poem features yearning for an erotic dream, while the Arabic poem lacks a sense of future prospects. These observations suggest culture-independent basic concepts within love metaphors.

Problems of Translating Informal Greeting Expressions Used in Iraqi Arabic into English

Greeting expressions represent an important part of conversation and are considered a fundamental element in the Arabic culture. Arabic language has more various and colorful greeting expressions with a culture-specific nature than other languages. However, dealing with the translation of such expressions, especially the Iraqi Arabic informal ones, poses a significant problem for translators, complicating the task of translating these expressions accurately and appropriately. Therefore, this study aims to identify the problems translators face when translating informal Iraqi Arabic greetings into English. To achieve this aim, a total of (4) informal greeting expressions collected from the Iraqi Arabic community were used as a sample of the study. These expressions were distributed to (5) MA candidates, from the Department of Translation, College of Arts, University of Tikrit, representing the subjects of the study to translate them into English. As for the data analysis, the study employed Vinay and Darbelnet's (1995) direct and oblique strategies of translation. The results showed that the study subjects face numerous problems in translating greeting expressions, mainly due to the lack of understanding the cultural contexts in which these expressions are used, in addition to the difficulty of finding a one-word equivalent to the informal greeting expressions under study.

Proclaiming the Qur'an and its Translation in Mosques: Phenomenological and Ethnomethodological Approaches

The recitation of the Qur'an has become a ubiquitous practice in mosques and Islamic boarding schools, fostering a profound acculturation between Arab culture and local culture. This phenomenon is particularly evident in institutions such as the Ponpes Ulul Albab Mosque, where the ritualistic recitation of the Qur'an serves as a cornerstone of religious and cultural identity. This research employs a phenomenological and ethnomethodological approach to evaluate the effectiveness and societal responses to this activity. By examining the lived experiences and social interactions surrounding Qur'anic recitation, this study aims to elucidate the complex dynamics involved in the cultural transmission of Islamic practices. The findings of this research indicate a positive acceptance from the community, with significant affective, cognitive, and conative impacts. The affective dimension reveals a profound emotional resonance among participants, as the recitation of the Qur'an evokes feelings of spiritual connection and communal solidarity. The cognitive dimension highlights the intellectual engagement and understanding that arises from the meticulous study and recitation of the sacred text. Furthermore, the conative dimension underscores the motivational and behavioral changes observed among participants, as they strive to perfect their recitation skills and integrate these practices into their daily lives. This study contributes significantly to the understanding of modern religious practices and cultural interactions in the context of Qur'anic recitation in mosques.

Шахматы как отражение культурного пространства Арабского халифата

The article examines the phenomenon of chess culture in the era of the Arab caliphate. It is shown that the golden age of shatranj (the Arabic version of chess) coincided with the rapid development of Arabic culture and science, thus reflecting the socio-cultural realities of that time. It is revealed that the treatise “The ethics of Chess” by the Arab thinker Raghib Ishafani demonstrates philosophical ideas in relation to the game of chess. The popularity of shatranj, which was demonstrated by the interest of state leaders and the holding of the first chess competitions in history, is noted, and attention is focused on the reason for its widespread use. The similarity of the rules of chess and the religious beliefs of the mutazilites, manifested in the concept of freedom of choice, is demonstrated. The reasons preventing the further development of the shatranj in the Arab caliphate are explained. It is shown that this fact was due to the religious mentality of the Arab-Islamic type of culture and the slow nature of the development of the social institutions of the East. It is noted that the further filiation of ideas from the Arab world to Europe led to the development of chess not only as a game, but also as a model reflecting the cultural and social processes taking place in society.

Личное дело ученого-востоковеда Абсаттара Багисбаевича Дербисали

The article is dedicated to Absattar Bagisbaevich Derbisali—an outstanding religious figure, Kazakh orientalist, Islamic scholar, Doctor of Philology, professor, whose scientific activity deserves special attention and recognition. As an orientalist, Derbisali specialized in Arabic and Islamic studies and made significant contributions to the study of Arab culture and language, as well as Islamic literature and philosophy. The purpose of the study is to determine the range of interests of a young researcher and the influence of a scientific supervisor in shaping his scientific trajectory.The scientific novelty of the research lies in the disclosure of little-known facts and aspects during his postgraduate studies, as well as in theunderstanding of how exactly during these years his scientific worldview was formed in the context of the sociocultural and political situation of that time. The methodological basis of the study is a historical-biographical approach, since the personal file of A.Derbisali is considered. The article applies the principles of objectivity and historicism, taking into account the range of his scientific interests. The use of a historical-systemic approach allows us to consider the object of study in the context of time and space, identifying internal connections and dependencies in the history of Eastern cultures, including Kazakh and Central Asian history.

Science Fiction in the Post-occupation Iraqi Short Story in English Translation

English translations of Arabic literary works have interacted with -and possibly influenced- the Western context of science fiction literature. This thesis investigates how the English translations of post-occupation Iraqi short stories possibly contributed to the evolution of the Western science fiction genre. The study seeks to explain the relationship between post-2003 Iraqi literary works -that are a diverse range of corpus- as well as the possible influence of their translations and their counterparts in Anglophone literary systems. The research particularly focuses on Iraq +100 and The Corpse Exhibition and Other Stories of Iraq by Hassan Blasim. Blasim’s edited anthology, Iraq +100, is a prominent element in this study as it is analyzed to illustrate the interrelation between Arabic science fiction and Western traditions of this genre of fiction. As the roles of this edited anthology and short story collection are addressed and discussed in terms of the interaction between Anglophone and Arab literary systems, the study discusses the science fiction theories of Thomas Lombardo (2006) and Darko Suvin (2010). The primary objective of this study is to analyze the two selected books as they are introduced to the Western world and scrutinize how these books can be considered as a response to the evolution of the science fiction genre. Moreover, the translated works of post-occupation Iraqi short stories deal with the political and social impacts of the situation in Iraq after 2003. This thesis follows up by proposing that the anthologized English translations of these Arabic post-occupation Iraqi texts have contributed to the making of a dialogue between Arab and Western cultural and literary canons as well as traditions. The study also analyzes the short stories of the Iraqi writers, as illustrative of a specific expression of post-2003 Iraqi fiction that depicts the terror of violence in Iraq by delivering scenes of excessive violence in their texts. All in all, this study appears as an interdisciplinary work as it engages with translation studies, literary studies, history, and in a way, political science.

On The Politics of Arabic Literary Translation

This paper examines the external factors influencing the selection and reception of literary texts in translation, with a focus on the representation of Arab culture in the West. Drawing on Andre Lefevere's (1992) concept of patronage, the author discusses how patrons, including institutions and individuals, shape the translation and publication of Arabic literary works and explores their impact on the representation of Arab culture in the West. The paper gives examples of several translated Arabic works, reading through the external factors that have influenced their selection, translation, and reception in their target culture. The study contends that the translation of Arabic literature is often driven by ideological and financial motivations, resulting in a restrictive representation of Arab culture that perpetuates stereotypes and exoticism. Furthermore, the paper argues that the “decontextualization” of translated texts leads to a loss of their original identity and purpose, as they are re-inserted within their new context and reinterpreted according to the socio-cultural background of the target audience. By shedding light on the complex dynamics governing literary translation from Arabic, this study highlights the need for understanding the external factors that shape the translation and representation of Arabic literature in the West.

Peaceful coexistence in Arab culture (language and terminology)

Since time immemorial, man has tended to coexist as groups that include individuals who may be united by one origin or one place and one time with different ideas, religion, and orientations. Peaceful, based on the organization of covenants, covenants, and laws among them. The title of the research was (Peaceful coexistence in Arab culture (language and terminology), and the nature of the research necessitated dividing it into two parts: the first is about what peaceful coexistence is, linguistically and idiomatically, and the second section is peaceful coexistence in Arab culture, and then concluded with a conclusion that included the research results and recommendations.

Scoping Review for the Adaptation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to the Arab Culture

Scoping Review for the Adaptation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to the Arab Culture

한국인 아랍어 전공 대학생의 학습동기와 학습경험/태도 중재방안에 관한 연구

This study investigates the motivational characteristics of Korean university students majoring in Arabic and develops motivational intervention strategies based on the findings. To achieve this goal, a survey was conducted using Dörnyei's (2005, 2009) “L2 Motivational Self System” with additional variables reflecting the socio-cultural context of Korea. The survey participants were 178 students majoring in Arabic or Arab studies at 5 domestic universities. Subsequent analysis of the survey responses revealed that augmenting learners' satisfaction with their learning experiences and improving their learning attitudes significantly contributed to intensifying their study efforts. To facilitate these improvements, the study indicates a need for intervention strategies that foster positive attitudes towards Arabs and Arab culture within Arabic language classrooms, while also capitalizing on the 'competition' factor. Finally, the Teams Games Tournaments (TGT) model was selected and exemplified as a potential intervention strategy that aligns with the research findings.

Manuskrip Arab sebagai Argumen Islam Asia Tenggara

This article is a critical review of Peacock's book on “Arabic Literary Culture in Southeast Asia in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries”. The book reflects the author's attention to the marginalization of the Arabic texts that are composed in the 17th and 18th century Southeast Asia, or for a Southeast Asian audience, and the Arabic texts that were read and copied in the region. Peacock based his analysis on a corpus of Arabic manuscripts in Southeast Asia from different collections in Banten, Jakarta National Library, and others. Peacock argues that in term of Islamic studies, scholars should not regard Southeast Asian Islam as peripheral, regardless its geographical position remotely from the Middle East. One of Peacock’s important arguments is that the royal court became the major centre for the writing and reading of an indigenous Southeast Asian Arabic literature before nineteenth century.