TARIK ELFALIH | Université Abdelmalek Essaâdi (original) (raw)

Papers by TARIK ELFALIH

Tarek Shamma's Translation and the Manipulation of Difference: Arabic Literature in Nineteenth Ce... more Tarek Shamma's Translation and the Manipulation of Difference: Arabic Literature in Nineteenth Century England investigates ideological and cultural forces that shape translation, notably in Arabic literature. Shamma begins with the long-standing dispute between free and literal translation, showing how translation philosophies treat linguistic and cultural differences differently. He agrees with Lawrence Venuti that free translation often serves ideological aims and criticises Western academia's marginalisation of literal translation. Shamma contrasts Eugene Nida's focus on establishing a "natural equivalent" in the target language with the cultural turn in translation studies, which makes translation politically fraught. Shamma explores Edward William Lane's English translation of The Arabian Nights to examine translation's colonial effects. He contrasts Lane's literalist approach with Antoine Galland's domesticated and exoticized French interpretation, showing how Galland adapted the tales to European literary preferences and colonial discourse. Galland's translation distorted, omitted, and fabricated narratives, encouraging curiosity with the Orient and imperialist prejudices. These activities demonstrate how translation shapes cultural identities and geopolitical structures, according to Shamma. He shows how translation is a zone of power by analysing colonial translation movements from exoticisation to literalism. Translation negotiates and produces ideologically constructed identities, he argues, by moulding perceptions of the "Other" and contributing to colonial rhetoric.

Rather than simply reflecting on the origins of modernity, it is necessary to critically examine ... more Rather than simply reflecting on the origins of modernity, it is necessary to critically examine its main story by disseminating its underlying ideas throughout the world. Reevaluating the world through a different lens facilitates the deconstruction of the binary between the Global North and the Global South. This paper's analysis scrutinizes the ideas introduced by the Moroccan philosopher Taha Abdurrahman in his work entitled "The Spirit of Modernity: A Prolegomenon to Laying the Foundations of Islamic Modernity." This paper illustrates the ability of Global South to offer a novel viewpoint. Taha Abdurrahman's critiques of what he terms "Islamic Alternative Modernity" through a methodology that integrates translation and discourse analysis. His authorship constructs a conceptual framework that interrogates the prevailing perceptions of Muslims within Western societies. The works of Abdurrahman offer profound insights into the modern Islamic landscape and the myriad perspectives that coexist within it. It encourages us to reflect on the forms in which one might achieve a deeper understanding of Islamic thought. According to the narrative, Taha Abdurrahman has remarkable contributions to be able to discern the complexities and contradictions within modern Western civilization, shaped by his post-colonial perspective. In exploring the nuances of contemporary thought, one must consider the alternative perspectives that challenge the prevailing notions of modernity. The spirit of this inquiry invites us to examine the significance of location in shaping and reshaping our experiences, particularly in relation to the Global North Grand narratives about the South. A critical analysis reveals the complexities of universality, urging us to question established paradigms and engage in thoughtful discourse about pluriversality.

Through the lenses of feminist theory and discourse analysis, this exploration delves into how co... more Through the lenses of feminist theory and discourse analysis, this exploration delves into how contemporary Moroccan cinema has been reshaping the narratives surrounding femininity and masculinity. This cinema has not merely offered new avenues for representation to women directors; it has profoundly challenged and transformed conventional portrayals in film production. The Moroccan filmmakers in question emerge as active agents in challenging local cultural and social limitations, striving to play a crucial role in the "liberation" of women while also portraying masculinity in a state of turmoil.

International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 2024

This paper undertakes a critical and analytical examination of the transformative dimensions of t... more This paper undertakes a critical and analytical examination of the transformative dimensions of translation as conceptualized by the Moroccan philosopher Taha Abdurrahman. Central to Abdurrahman's intellectual project is the call to transcend the pervasive Eurocentrism that characterizes contemporary translation theories. Abdurrahman offers a nuanced critique of the translation methodologies employed during the Abbasid period, particularly the uncontextualized appropriation of Greek philosophy. He contends that this approach led to the marginalization of Islamic philosophy, reducing it to a mode of mere transmission and dependency, initially on ancient Greece and subsequently on the modern West. To address these historical inadequacies, Abdurrahman advocates for an innovative translation strategy termed taʾṣīliyya, which translates literally to "authenticating." This strategy emphasizes a transformative process whereby the source text is integrated into the receiving culture, aligning with its specific epistemic and cultural needs, irrespective of the original context. Abdurrahman posits that this method is essential for fostering an autonomous Arab/Islamic philosophical tradition, one that is not subsumed under external theoretical paradigms, even if this necessitates deviating from conventional criteria of accuracy and faithfulness. This paper critically engages with the theoretical foundations and proposes practical applications of Abdurrahman's translation paradigm. It situates his framework within the broader historical trajectory of translation in the Arabic intellectual tradition and contemporary translation studies. Furthermore, it interrogates the theoretical and methodological ramifications of eschewing conventional norms of fidelity and accuracy, notwithstanding their entrenched and restrictive nature.

Orature has sparked the interest of several experts throughout the world. This exploding trend am... more Orature has sparked the interest of several experts throughout the world. This exploding trend among scholars to explore the nature and characteristics of orature is because they are means of portraying the cultural and social patterns of life in a particular geographical region. Considering this, Moroccan folktales are regarded as excellent examples of oral literature and cultural legacy. Female orators tell folktales orally in both the public and private spheres. Therefore, one is accustomed when hearing the term orator/storyteller to associate it with men, but women demonstrate that they, too, are professional storytellers; women's absence from the public sphere and stereotypes about them play a significant role in some Moroccans overlooking their contribution to preserving folktales as cultural heritage. In addition, women's illiteracy and ignorance foster an environment in which they are readily misinterpreted and stigmatised. In this paper, my argument is that Moroccan women tend to

Over recent decades, there has been a significant surge in post-colonial literature aimed at reev... more Over recent decades, there has been a significant surge in post-colonial literature aimed at reevaluating how Europeans have depicted non-European societies and their cultures. Within this context, numerous African novelists, including Chinua Achebe, Ben Okri, Wole Soyinka, Nadime Gordimer, and Tayeb Saleh, among others, have endeavoured to liberate Africa and its people from the confines of Western stereotypes. They do so by contradicting, challenging, questioning, or deconstructing the dominant Western narrative. M. Coetzee is one of those post-colonial writers who has stupendously engaged in a dialogue with Western canonical texts, trying strenuously to free Africa and her people from the trait of inferiority. In his Foe (1986), Coetzee parodies Defoe's Robinson Crusoe (1719) in a way that establishes a post-colonial version of Defoe's text. By employing what might be called "post-colonial intertextuality," Coetzee reverses the colonial hierarchy that Daniel Defoe

The instruction of grammar is a critical element of the curriculum that all English as a Foreign ... more The instruction of grammar is a critical element of the curriculum that all English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors must integrate into their courses. Grammatical education presents a significant challenge within the English curriculum due to the frequent struggles both students and instructors face with its rules. Nevertheless, it is essential for students to possess a comprehensive understanding of grammar, as a strong grasp of the language they use is crucial for enhancing their communication abilities. Teachers provide grammar instruction specifically to improve their students' writing skills, and for a long time, grammar education has been regarded as a fundamental prerequisite for the appropriate use of language. This paper examines the most frequently employed methods for grammar instruction. The investigation aims to identify the most common errors committed by ESL students through interviews with educators, analysis of survey results, and observations of classroom activities. The primary goal is to help students overcome these challenges while also enhancing their understanding of the errors they have made.

International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 2024