International Journal of New Trends in Social Sciences

Poetic oppositions in Fatimid Arabic literature: Ibn Hani’s Pastiche of Al-Mutanabbi as a model

2024-11-11T14:47:48+03:00

This study examines the nature and effectiveness of poetic oppositions in Fatimid literature through an analytical comparison of Ibn Hani’ Al-Andalusi's praise of the Fatimid caliph Al-Muizz li Din Allah and Al-Mutanabbi's praise of Saif al-Dawla Al-Hamdani. This comparative analysis highlights the distinctive ways Ibn Hani' adapted Al-Mutanabbi's poetic style to suit his ideological and political context, revealing several critical insights into the interplay of influence and innovation. While the Fatimid rulers valued poetry as a political and ideological tool, Ibn Hani’s poetry diverges from Al-Mutanabbi’s in its structure and thematic emphasis. Rather than following Al-Mutanabbi’s journey-focused, introspective approach, Ibn Hani’ emphasizes Fatimid accomplishments and authority over Egypt, reflecting ideological convictions rather than personal ambition. Both poets employ artistic exaggeration, elevating their patrons to near-mythical status; however, Ibn Hani's praise resonates with a deeper commitment to affirming the Fatimids’ legitimacy. Ultimately, this study underscores how opposition poetry served as a medium of ideological expression in Fatimid literature, positioning Ibn Hani’ not only as a poet but as an advocate for the Fatimid state’s political and religious narrative.Keywords: Ideological Poetry; Poetic Influence; Literary Comparison; literature

Topic identification behind political discourse: What was said and what was meant?

2025-02-09T12:07:26+03:00

Language plays a crucial role in shaping meaning, yet the same words can convey different messages depending on context, intent, and audience perception. This phenomenon is particularly evident in political discourse, where leaders strategically use language to persuade, influence, and control narratives. While extensive research has examined political rhetoric, there remains a gap in understanding how key political figures manipulate discourse to align with their agendas. This study aims to analyze the underlying themes in the speeches of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during the 2011 Arab Spring Uprising and British politician Andrea Leadsom’s Prime Minister campaign speech on July 4, 2016. Using a discourse analysis methodology, the study examines how linguistic choices, rhetorical strategies, and implicit messaging shape audience interpretation. The findings reveal a significant disparity between the explicit content of these speeches and their underlying political intentions, highlighting the strategic use of language in crisis and leadership narratives. This research contributes to the field of political communication by offering insights into how discourse is employed as a tool of persuasion and control, emphasizing the need for critical analysis in interpreting political rhetoric.

Keywords: Discourse; political discourse; speech; topic identification.