By
1Yasir Bala, Ph.D.
& 2Rahimatu Aliyu Santuraki
1Zamfara
State College of Education Maru, Zamfara State, Nigeria
2Federal College of
Education (Technical) Bichi, Kano State, Nigeria
Corresponding author’s email & phone No: rahimatu.sa@gmail.com, +2348168179963
Abstract
This paper explores the conceptual metaphor of love
through a stylistic examination of metaphorical representations in Mariama Bâ's
"So Long a Letter" and Zaynab Alkali's "The Virtuous
Woman". By employing a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from conceptual
metaphor theory, stylistics, and feminist literary theory, it investigates how
metaphorical language shapes our understanding of love, identity, and agency in
these seminal West African novels. Through a close reading of key scenes and
passages, it identifies and analyzes the metaphorical concepts that underline
the authors' representations of love, including journey, garden, food, and
clothes. By examining the linguistic and cultural contexts that inform these
metaphors, it sheds light on the complex experiences of women in West Africa,
highlighting the intersections between love, culture, and identity. It
contributes to ongoing conversations on love, language, and identity in African
literature, offering new insights into the ways metaphorical language
constructs and reflects cultural norms and values. By comparing and contrasting
the metaphorical representations of love in "So Long a Letter" and
"The Virtuous Woman", the paper reveals the nuanced and multifaceted
nature of love in West African contexts. The findings of this research have
implications for our understanding of love and relationships in African
societies, challenging simplistic or romanticized notions of love. Furthermore,
it demonstrates the value of stylistic analysis in uncovering the complexities
of literary representation, highlighting the significance of linguistic and
cultural context in shaping our understanding of literary texts. Ultimately, it
provides a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between love,
language, and identity in West African literature.
Keywords:
Conceptual Metaphor, Love, Stylistics, So Long a Letter, The Virtuous Woman
Introduction
The concept of
love has been a timeless and universal theme in literature, transcending
cultural and geographical boundaries. In African literature, love is often
depicted as a complex and multifaceted experience, shaped by cultural, social,
and historical contexts. This complexity is reflected in the various forms of
love portrayed in African literature, including romantic love, familial love,
and self-love. This research aims to explore the conceptual metaphor of love in
Mariama Bâ's and Zaynab Alkali's "The Virtuous
Woman", two seminal texts in West African literature. Mariama Bâ's
"So Long a Letter" (1980) and Zaynab Alkali's "The
Virtuous Woman" (1987) are landmark texts in West African literature,
offering powerful portrayals of women's experiences in patriarchal societies.
Both novels explore themes of love, marriage, family, and identity, raising
important questions about women's agency and autonomy. Through their
protagonists, Ramatoulaye and Nana-Ama, Bâ and Alkali illustrate the
complexities of love, highlighting its capacity to empower and oppress.
Ramatoulaye's struggle to navigate her polygamous marriage and Nana-Ama's
experience of love and loss serve as compelling examples of the intricate
relationships between love, culture, and identity. This research examines how
metaphorical language contributes to these portrayals, revealing the nuanced
ways in which love is represented in these novels.
The theoretical
framework for this research is grounded in Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), as
proposed by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson (1980). CMT posits that metaphors
are not merely decorative language devices but fundamental structures of
thought that shape our understanding of abstract concepts, such as love. By
analyzing metaphors in "So Long a Letter" and "The
Virtuous Woman", this study will identify the conceptual metaphors
that underlie the authors' representations of love. This will provide insights
into the cultural, social, and historical contexts that inform these
portrayals. Furthermore, this research will explore how CMT can be applied to
the analysis of literary texts, demonstrating the value of interdisciplinary
approaches to literary study.
This
research is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it contributes to the
growing body of scholarship on African literature, particularly women's
writing. By examining the conceptual metaphor of love in these novels, this
study sheds light on the complex experiences of women in West Africa. Secondly,
this research highlights the importance of stylistic analysis in understanding
literary texts. By focusing on metaphorical language, this study demonstrates
the value of linguistic analysis in uncovering the nuances of literary
representation. Finally, this research has implications for our understanding
of love and relationships in African contexts, challenging simplistic or
romanticized notions of love. By exploring the complexities of love in African
literature, this study promotes a deeper understanding of the cultural and
social contexts that shape human experience.
The
objectives of this research are threefold. Firstly, to identify and analyze the
conceptual metaphors of love in "So Long a Letter" and "The
Virtuous Woman". This involves a systematic analysis of metaphorical
language in both novels, identifying patterns and themes that emerge from the
data. Secondly, examine how these metaphors reflect the cultural, social, and
historical contexts of West Africa. This will involve situating the novels
within their cultural and historical contexts, exploring how the authors'
representations of love reflect and challenge societal norms. Thirdly, to
explore the implications of these metaphors for our understanding of love,
identity and agency in African literature. Through this research, we hope to
gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of love, as
represented in these seminal texts.
Overview
of Mariama Bâ's "So Long a Letter"
Mariama Bâ's "So
Long a Letter" (1980) is a seminal novel in West African literature,
offering a powerful portrayal of women's experiences in Senegalese society. The
novel is written in the form of a letter from Ramatoulaye, a recently widowed
woman, to her friend Aissatou. Through this epistolary format, Bâ explores
themes of love, marriage, family, and identity, raising important questions
about women's agency and autonomy. Ramatoulaye's story serves as a catalyst for
exploring the complexities of polygamy, Islamic traditions, and societal
expectations that shape women's lives in Senegal (Bâ 1980).
One
of the novel's central concerns is the institution of polygamy and its impact
on women's lives. Ramatoulaye's husband, Modou, takes a second wife, Binetou,
leading to a profound transformation in Ramatoulaye's life. Bâ critiques the
societal norms that condone polygamy, highlighting the emotional and
psychological toll it takes on women. Through Ramatoulaye's experiences, Bâ
illustrates the tension between traditional practices and modernity,
underscoring the need for women's empowerment and education (Nfah-Abbenyi
1997). The novel also explores the complexities of female friendship, as
embodied in the relationship between Ramatoulaye and Aissatou.
Bâ's
novel is also notable for its exploration of Islamic traditions and their
impact on women's lives. Ramatoulaye's struggles with her faith and her role as
a Muslim woman serve as a powerful commentary on the intersections between
religion, culture, and identity. Bâ challenges simplistic notions of Islam,
instead presenting a nuanced portrayal of its complexities and contradictions
(Ogunyemi 1985). Through Ramatoulaye's story, Bâ highlights the need for
women's agency and autonomy within Islamic traditions.
"So Long a
Letter" has received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful
portrayal of women's experiences in Senegal. Critics have praised Bâ's use of
language, which blends elements of Wolof and French to create a unique
narrative voice (Arndt 2000). The novel has been recognized as a landmark text
in feminist literature, influencing a generation of African women writers. Bâ's
work has also been celebrated for its contributions to postcolonial studies,
offering a nuanced exploration of the complex legacies of colonialism and
imperialism in West Africa.
Overview
of Zaynab Alkali's "The Virtuous
Woman"
Zaynab Alkali's
"The Virtuous Woman" (1987) is a highly acclaimed novel in
Nigerian literature, offering a powerful portrayal of women's experiences in
Hausa society. The novel tells the story of Nana-Ama, a young woman struggling
to navigate the complexities of marriage, family, and identity. Through
Nana-Ama's journey, Alkali explores themes of love, duty, and self-discovery,
raising important questions about women's agency and autonomy in patriarchal societies
(Alkali 1987). The novel is notable for its nuanced portrayal of Islamic
traditions and Hausa culture, challenging simplistic notions of African
womanhood. By exploring the intricacies of Nana-Ama's life, Alkali sheds light
on the social, cultural, and economic factors that shape women's experiences in
Northern Nigeria.
One
of the novel's central concerns is the tension between tradition and modernity.
Nana-Ama's experiences reflect the complexities of navigating multiple worlds:
her rural upbringing, Islamic traditions, and urban education. Alkali critiques
the societal expectations that constrain women's lives, highlighting the
importance of education and economic empowerment (Nfah-Abbenyi 1997). Through
Nana-Ama's story, Alkali illustrates the struggles women face in balancing
personal desires with familial and communal obligations. The novel also
explores the complexities of female relationships, particularly the bond
between Nana-Ama and her mother. This relationship serves as a powerful
commentary on the intergenerational transmission of cultural values and the
challenges of negotiating traditional expectations.
Alkali's
novel is also notable for its exploration of Islamic traditions and their
impact on women's lives. Nana-Ama's struggles with her faith and her role as a
Muslim woman serve as a powerful commentary on the intersections between
religion, culture, and identity. Alkali challenges simplistic notions of Islam,
instead presenting a nuanced portrayal of its complexities and contradictions
(Ogunyemi 1985). Through Nana-Ama's story, Alkali highlights the need for
women's agency and autonomy within Islamic traditions. The novel raises
important questions about the interpretation of Islamic texts and the role of
women in shaping their own spiritual lives.
"The
Virtuous Woman" has received widespread critical acclaim for its
powerful portrayal of women's experiences in Nigeria. Critics have praised
Alkali's use of language, which blends elements of Hausa and English to create
a unique narrative voice (Arndt 2000). The novel has been recognized as a
landmark text in feminist literature, influencing a generation of African women
writers. Alkali's work has also been celebrated for its contributions to
postcolonial studies, offering a nuanced exploration of the complex legacies of
colonialism and imperialism in West Africa. Furthermore, the novel has been
praised for its accessibility, making it a valuable teaching tool for courses
on African literature, women's studies, and cultural studies.
Additionally,
scholars have explored the novel's themes and motifs in depth. Umeh (1998)
examines the feminine condition in Hausa society, highlighting the ways in
which Alkali challenges patriarchal norms. Gikandi (2003) situates the novel
within the broader context of postcolonial literature, exploring the tensions
between tradition and modernity. Ogundipe-Leslie (1994) analyzes the novel's
portrayal of women's culture, emphasizing the importance of female solidarity
and resistance.
Literature
Review
Concept
of Metaphor
The concept of
metaphor plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of love in
Mariama Bâ's "So Long a Letter" and Zaynab Alkali's "The
Virtuous Woman". Metaphor, as a stylistic device, enables the authors
to convey the abstract and intangible nature of love through tangible and
concrete images. By employing metaphors, Bâ and Alkali create vivid
representations of love, highlighting its beauty, pain, and transformative
power. For instance, Bâ's comparison of love to a "letter" (Bâ 1)
emphasizes its intimate and personal nature, while Alkali's description of love
as a "garden" (Alkali 23) underscores its growth and nurturing
requirements. These metaphors not only illustrate the multifaceted nature of
love but also reveal the cultural and social contexts in which it is
experienced.
The
conceptual metaphor of love in both novels reveals the complex interplay
between love, identity, and agency. Bâ's metaphors of love as
"prison" (Bâ 56) and "storm" (Bâ 78) highlight the
constraints and challenges that women face in patriarchal societies. Similarly,
Alkali's metaphors of love as "wound" (Alkali 112) and
"flame" (Alkali 90) emphasize the vulnerability and passion that
accompany love. These metaphors demonstrate how love can be both empowering and
oppressive, depending on the social and cultural context. By employing
metaphors that reflect the complexities of love, Bâ and Alkali challenge
traditional notions of love as a romantic or sentimental emotion, instead
presenting it as a dynamic and multifaceted experience.
Furthermore,
the conceptual metaphor of love in both novels underscores the importance of
self-love and autonomy. Bâ's metaphors of love as "mirror" (Bâ 102)
and Alkali's metaphors of love as "tree" (Alkali 175) emphasize the
need for self-reflection and independence. These metaphors highlight the agency
and empowerment that women can derive from love, particularly when it is
self-directed. By employing metaphors that emphasize self-love and autonomy, Bâ
and Alkali subvert traditional patriarchal norms that often prioritize male
dominance and control. Instead, they present love as a transformative force
that enables women to reclaim their agency and redefine their relationships.
Through their use of metaphor, Bâ and Alkali offer a nuanced and complex
understanding of love, one that reflects the diversity and richness of African
women's experiences.
Types
of Metaphors
Ontological
Metaphors
Ontological
metaphors represent love as an entity or substance, emphasizing its tangible
and intangible aspects. In "So Long a Letter" and "The
Virtuous Woman", love is often represented as a garden, food, or
cloth, highlighting its nurturing and sustaining qualities. For instance,
Ramatoulaye's love for Modou is described as a "garden of flowers"
that requires attention and care (Bâ 1980). Similarly, Nana-Ama's love for her
family is likened to a "warm cloth" that envelops her (Alkali 1987).
These metaphors emphasize love's capacity to provide comfort, sustenance, and
growth.
Structural
Metaphors
Structural
metaphors represent love as a structure or system, highlighting its
organizational and relational aspects. In the novels love is often represented
as a journey, bond, or bridge, emphasizing its transformative and connective
qualities. For example, Ramatoulaye's journey from a submissive wife to an
independent individual is likened to a "path" that requires
navigation (Bâ 1980). Similarly, Nana-Ama's love for her community is described
as a "bridge" that connects her to others (Alkali 1987). These
metaphors emphasize love's capacity to shape and transform relationships.
Orientational
Metaphors
Orientational
metaphors represent love as a direction or orientation, highlighting its
spatial and temporal aspects. In the novels, love is often represented as
light, fire, or water, emphasizing its illuminating, passionate, and
life-giving qualities. For instance, Ramatoulaye's love for herself is
described as a "light" that shines through darkness (Bâ 1980).
Similarly, Nana-Ama's love for her family is likened to a "flame"
that burns brightly (Alkali 1987). These metaphors emphasize love's capacity to
guide, energize, and nourish.
Action
Metaphors
Action metaphors
represent love as an action or event, highlighting its dynamic and
transformative aspects. In the novels, love is often represented as sacrifice,
transformation, or growth, emphasizing its capacity to change and renew. For
example, Ramatoulaye's love for her children is described as a
"sacrifice" that requires her to put others first (Bâ 1980).
Similarly, Nana-Ama's love for herself is likened to a
"transformation" that enables her to become a new person (Alkali
1987). These metaphors emphasize love's capacity to act, transform, and renew.
Conceptual
Metaphors
Conceptual
metaphors represent love as a complex concept, highlighting its abstract and
multifaceted nature. In the novels love is often represented as a combination
of metaphors, emphasizing its nuanced and context-dependent qualities. For
instance, Ramatoulaye's love for Modou is described as a "garden of
flowers" that requires attention and care, but also as a
"journey" that requires navigation (Bâ 1980). Similarly, Nana-Ama's
love for her family is likened to a "warm cloth" that envelops her,
but also as a "bridge" that connects her to others (Alkali 1987).
These metaphors emphasize love's capacity to be complex, multifaceted, and context
dependent.
Conceptual
Theory of Metaphor
The conceptual
theory of metaphor, as proposed by Lakoff and Johnson (1980), posits that
metaphors are not merely linguistic devices, but rather cognitive tools that
shape our understanding of complex concepts. In the context of Mariama Bâ's
"So Long a Letter" and Zaynab Alkali's "The Virtuous
Woman", conceptual metaphors of love reveal the intricate ways in
which love is perceived, experienced, and represented in West African culture.
For instance, the journey metaphor in "So Long a Letter" (Bâ 1980)
illustrates love as a transformative process, whereas the garden metaphor in
"The Virtuous Woman" (Alkali 1987) highlights love's nurturing
and growth-oriented aspects. These metaphors demonstrate how love is
conceptualized as a dynamic, multifaceted experience that transcends literal
definitions.
Conceptual
metaphor theory also emphasizes the role of embodiment in shaping metaphorical
language (Lakoff and Johnson 1980). In the novels, metaphors of love often draw
upon sensory experiences, such as touch (e.g., "warm cloth" in Alkali
1987), sight (e.g., "light" in Bâ 1980), and taste (e.g.,
"honey" in Alkali 1987). These embodied metaphors underscore the
intuitive, experiential nature of love, highlighting its capacity to evoke
emotions, sensations, and bodily responses. Furthermore, conceptual metaphors of
love reveal cultural-specific nuances, such as the importance of community and
family in West African contexts (Nfah-Abbenyi 1997). By examining these
metaphors, researchers can gain insight into the cultural values, beliefs, and
attitudes that shape representations of love.
The
application of conceptual metaphor theory to "So Long a Letter" and
"The Virtuous Woman" also highlights the agency of women writers in
shaping cultural narratives. By employing metaphors that subvert traditional
notions of love, Bâ and Alkali challenge patriarchal norms and offer
alternative perspectives on women's experiences (Ogunyemi 1985). This aligns
with the feminist literary theory's emphasis on women's writing as a form of
resistance and empowerment (Showalter 1985). Conceptual metaphor theory thus
provides a valuable framework for analyzing the complex intersections of love,
culture, and gender in West African literature.
Stylistic
Analysis of Metaphors of Love in “So Long
a Letter” by Mariama Ba
Mariama Ba's
"So Long a Letter" employs metaphors to express the complexities of
love, exploring its beauty, pain, and transformative power. One metaphor that
stands out is the comparison of love to a "letter" itself,
symbolizing the intimate and personal nature of Ramatoulaye's emotions. Ba
writes, "I begin this letter to you, dear Aissatou, with the words that
come from the heart" (Ba 1). This metaphor highlights the idea that love
is a deeply personal and emotional experience, akin to writing a letter to
one's closest confidant. By using this epistolary format, Ba emphasizes the
private and confessional nature of Ramatoulaye's feelings, underscoring the
notion that love is a deeply individualized experience. Furthermore, the letter
serves as a symbol of connection and communication, illustrating the ways in
which love transcends physical distance and cultural boundaries.
Ba also utilizes
natural imagery to convey the beauty and vitality of love. For instance,
Ramatoulaye describes her love for Modou as a "flower that blooms in the
desert" (Ba 23), emphasizing its rarity and resilience. Similarly,
Aissatou's love for Mawdo is likened to a "river that flows
effortlessly" (Ba 45), symbolizing its smooth and unobstructed nature.
These metaphors underscore the life-giving and nourishing qualities of love,
drawing on African cultural associations between nature and fertility (Nfah-Abbenyi
123). Moreover, the use of natural imagery highlights the cyclical and
regenerative aspects of love, emphasizing its capacity to renew and transform
individuals. Ba's deployment of natural metaphors also serves to subvert
traditional Western notions of love as a purely romantic or sentimental
emotion, instead grounding it in the rich cultural and environmental contexts
of African experience.
However,
Ba's metaphors also convey the pain and disillusionment that can accompany
love. Ramatoulaye's marriage to Modou is described as a "prison" (Ba
56), highlighting the constraints and suffocation she feels. Similarly,
Aissatou's experience with Mawdo's infidelity is likened to a "storm that
ravages the landscape" (Ba 78), emphasizing the destructive force of
betrayal. These metaphors underscore the complexities and challenges of love,
particularly in the context of patriarchal societies (Ogunyemi 145). By
employing metaphors of confinement and devastation, Ba critiques the societal
expectations and power dynamics that can stifle women's agency and autonomy.
Furthermore, these metaphors highlight the ways in which love can be distorted
or corrupted by external factors, such as cultural norms or social pressures.
The
metaphors of love in "So Long a Letter" also reflect the novel's
feminist themes, emphasizing women's agency and empowerment. Ramatoulaye's love
for herself, for instance, is described as a "mirror" (Ba 102),
symbolizing self-reflection and introspection. Aissatou's independence is
likened to a "tree that stands tall" (Ba 120), highlighting her
strength and resilience. These metaphors underscore the importance of self-love
and autonomy in the face of societal expectations and patriarchal norms (Arndt
167). By deploying metaphors that emphasize women's empowerment, Ba challenges
traditional notions of love as a passive or submissive experience. Instead, she
presents love as an active and transformative force that enables women to
reclaim their agency and redefine their relationships.
Stylistic
Analysis of Metaphors of Love in “The
Virtuous Woman” by Zaynab Alkali
Zaynab
Alkali's "The Virtuous Woman" employs metaphors to explore the
complexities of love, highlighting its transformative power and redemptive
qualities. One metaphor that stands out is the comparison of love to a
"garden" (Alkali 23), symbolizing growth, beauty, and nurturing. This
metaphor underscores the idea that love requires cultivation and care, much
like a garden requires attention and nourishment. For instance, the
protagonist, Nana-Ama, describes her love for her husband as a "flower
that blooms in the desert" (Alkali 45), emphasizing its resilience and
vitality. This metaphor highlights the ways in which love can thrive even in
challenging environments, where resources are scarce and conditions are harsh.
By using this metaphor, Alkali emphasizes the importance of nurturing love,
allowing it to grow and flourish despite adversity.
Alkali also
utilizes natural imagery to convey the intensity and passion of love.
Nana-Ama's love for her husband is likened to a "river that overflows its
banks" (Alkali 67), symbolizing its uncontainable and overwhelming nature.
Similarly, her love for her children is described as a "flame that burns
brightly" (Alkali 90), emphasizing its warmth and radiance. These
metaphors underscore the all-consuming and transformative aspects of love,
drawing on African cultural associations between nature and spirituality
(Ogunyemi 123). Furthermore, the use of natural imagery highlights the cyclical
and regenerative aspects of love, emphasizing its capacity to renew and
transform individuals. By employing metaphors that evoke the natural world,
Alkali grounds love in the physical and emotional experiences of her
characters, making it more relatable and tangible.
However,
Alkali's metaphors also convey the pain and vulnerability that can accompany
love. Nana-Ama's experience of loss and separation is likened to a "wound
that refuses to heal" (Alkali 112), emphasizing the lingering pain and
trauma. Similarly, her struggle to maintain her marriage is described as a
"storm that ravages the landscape" (Alkali 135), highlighting the
destructive force of conflict. These metaphors underscore the complexities and
challenges of love, particularly in the context of patriarchal societies
(Nfah-Abbenyi 145). By employing metaphors of hurt and struggle, Alkali
critiques the societal expectations and power dynamics that can stifle women's
agency and autonomy. Moreover, these metaphors highlight the resilience and
coping mechanisms that women develop to navigate these challenges, emphasizing
their strength and determination.
The
metaphors of love in "The Virtuous Woman" also reflect the novel's
feminist themes, emphasizing women's empowerment and resilience. Nana-Ama's
love for herself is described as a "mirror" (Alkali 160), symbolizing
self-reflection and introspection. Her independence is likened to a "tree
that stands tall" (Alkali 175), highlighting her strength and resilience.
These metaphors underscore the importance of self-love and autonomy in the face
of societal expectations and patriarchal norms (Arndt 167). By deploying
metaphors that emphasize women's empowerment, Alkali challenges traditional
notions of love as a passive or submissive experience. Instead, she presents
love as an active and transformative force that enables women to reclaim their
agency and redefine their relationships. Through Nana-Ama's journey, Alkali
illustrates the potential for women to redefine love on their own terms,
prioritizing self-love, mutual respect, and equality.
Additionally,
Alkali's use of metaphors highlights the cultural and social context in which
love is experienced. The novel critiques the societal expectations placed on
women, particularly in terms of marriage and family. Nana-Ama's struggles to
balance her roles as wife, mother, and individual are reflected in the
metaphors of love, emphasizing the tensions between personal desire and
societal duty. By exploring these tensions, Alkali sheds light on the
complexities of love in African contexts, challenging simplistic or
romanticized notions of love.
Conclusion
In conclusion,
Mariama Bâ's "So Long a Letter" and Zaynab Alkali's "The
Virtuous Woman" offer powerful portrayals of women's experiences in
West Africa, shedding light on the complexities of love, identity, and agency
in patriarchal societies. Through their protagonists, Ramatoulaye and Nana-Ama,
Bâ and Alkali challenge simplistic notions of African womanhood, instead
presenting nuanced and multifaceted representations of women's lives. The
novels demonstrate the significance of education, economic empowerment, and
female solidarity in enabling women to navigate the complexities of traditional
and modern societies. By exploring the intersections between culture, religion,
and identity, Bâ and Alkali highlight the need for women's agency and autonomy
in shaping their own lives and communities. The significance of these novels
extends beyond their literary merit, contributing to ongoing conversations on
feminist literature, postcolonial studies, and cultural studies. Bâ and
Alkali's works have influenced a generation of African women writers, paving
the way for further explorations of women's experiences in Africa. Furthermore,
their novels serve as valuable teaching tools, offering insights into the
cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape women's lives in West
Africa. As scholars continue to engage with these texts, they will remain
essential readings for anyone interested in African literature, women's
studies, and cultural studies. Ultimately, "So Long a Letter"
and "The Virtuous Woman" stand as testaments to the power of
literature to challenge, inspire, and empower, offering enduring lessons on the
importance of women's voices and agency in shaping African societies.
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This article is published in ALQALAM: A Journal of Language and Literary Studies, FUGUS, Volume 1, Issue 2 - June 2026
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