Al-Ḍād Journal

A Critical Comparative Analysis of Media Trends in the Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Case Study of Al Jazeera and The Washington Post

Abdallah Warshaga — 2024-07-31

Abstract

In an era where media warfare parallels armed conflict, this research scrutinizes journalistic strategies in the Washington Post and Al Jazeera English's coverage of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Utilizing Fairclough's critical discourse analysis (2003a) and Martin and White's attitudinal framework (2005), the study unveils the covert mechanisms governing evaluative language to project particular emotional and moral perspectives. Analyzing 35 news texts from each outlet, it elucidates the interplay between power dynamics, emotions, and ingrained biases. The findings indicate that media entities like Al Jazeera and The Washington Post compromise integrity for emotional engagement and sensationalism, steering public sentiment towards intolerance. Al Jazeera emerges as a stern critic of American double standards, emphasizing narratives that bolster Arab and Muslim viewpoints while condemning Israeli occupation and U.S. policies. Conversely, The Washington Post offers vibrant portrayals of American geopolitical interests, downplaying Arab and Palestinian grievances. The study underscores the critical need for journalistic integrity, advocating for a shift in conflict reporting to acknowledge the detrimental impact of emotional narratives that not only taint public discourse but also hinder peaceful resolutions. This research serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the peril of newsrooms morphing into ideological battlegrounds, thus risking their role as promoters of truth.

Keywords: Appraisal in News Discourse, Critical Discourse Analysis, Ideologies in Al Jazeera and Washington Post, Attitude in Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, the Deal of the Century

The Relationship between Reading Strategies and the Level of Comprehension among Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Private Arabic School

Imen Khelifi — 2024-07-31

Abstract

It is known that students with autism spectrum disorder face many difficulties in acquiring language skills, including reading skills, due to their delay in language development, but some of them can memorize, a strong memory, and sensitivity to different stimuli. Previous studies have indicated that research on reading strategies has been carried out widely in Western countries, as it has a great potential on discovering the impact of these strategies on comprehension and understanding in this category of students. Therefore, this research will discover the strategies of learning and reading for Arab students with autism spectrum, by adopting the qualitative field approach, and based on this, it was discovered that visual integration and interactive sensory integration have a positive impact on students' comprehension of the reading text, and therefore it is necessary to rely on visual and sensory means in order to raise their level of comprehension.

Keywords: Autism spectrum, reading skills, reading strategies, reading comprehension, reading comprehension, visual and sensory integration.

The Importance of Role-Playing in Promoting Motivation and Oral Communication among Non-Arabic Speakers

Karima Aboubaker Abdelhafid — 2024-07-31

Abstract

Motivation has an important role in learning a foreign language. Without it, the process of learning the language will be more difficult, and students may lose motivation and stop learning the language, on the other hand, oral communication is a great challenge, especially when they learn that language in their country, far from the original environment of the language. In this regard, studies have indicated that role-playing activities play a major role in stimulating motivation and developing oral communication among students in learning foreign languages. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the level of motivation and oral communication among non-Arabic speaking learners after learning this language through role-playing activities. To achieve the aim of the study, the quasi-experimental approach with a single group design was used. The study included 40 Malay male and female students who specialize in the Arabic language at a public university in Malaysia. An applied model of role-playing activities taken from daily life was conducted in the classroom, and to measure the level of oral communication an oral test was used before and after the experiment. Results showed that students’ motivation was good before and after the activities, indicating satisfactory motivation levels. Additionally, the level of oral communication was significantly improved, ranging from very good to excellent after the experiment. The study also confirmed that including role play as a linguistic activity increases interaction and teamwork between students and teachers, enhances students’ self-confidence, and enables them to express their feelings.

Keywords: Role-playing activities, motivation, oral communication

Semantic Changes of Selected Idioms of Islamic Civilization in Nigeria

Abdulbaqy Yahya Zakariyah — 2024-07-31

Abstract:

The focus of the linguists on the theory of semantic migration still remains constant. They discuss periodically on the relationship between indicative and the content, this is simply because the conception attached thereof by people has no limitation, while the indicative, word to describe the concept of meaning is limited in any language. This gives room to a word to migrate and develop semantically from one season to another. Sometimes word is described semantically as promoted and some other times as demoted. It is noted that the theory of conflict civilizations between human races has affected the Islamic civilization across the globe including Nigerian Muslims. This has posed a great threat on many terminologies known in the golden era of Islamic Civilization. The words that promote scholarship and intellectualism later turn to be demoted words that people are afraid to be associated with, i.e Al.Imam, Al-Jihad, almasjid, mimbar, Katateeb, Mallam, e.t.c. This paper is set to study the semantic development of some of these terminologies in the history of Islamic civilization in Nigeria; the paper is discussed in the following parts: Introduction, Semantic study of selected Islamic terminologies, Study of semantic development in the selected words, Influence of the theory of conflict civilization on the semantic demotion of the words, and Conclusion.

Keywords: Semantic, Terminologies, Islamic, Civilization, Selected, Conflict

The Contributions of Nigerian Writers in Translating Some Literary Works into Arabic Language

Abdussalam Aminu Atotileto — 2024-07-31

Abstract

This study examines the noteworthy contributions of Nigerian writers in the translation of literary works into the Arabic language. As part of the growing global exchange of literary ideas, Nigerian authors have played a pivotal role in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps by translating their works, as well as the works of others, into Arabic. The research delves into the motivations, challenges, and impact of these literary translations, examining the impact on the reception of Nigerian literature in Arabic-speaking communities. Additionally, the study sheds light on the challenges faced by these writers in the translation process and the strategies employed to overcome them. exploring the socio-cultural context, it is also aims to shed light on the nuanced process of bringing Nigerian literature to an Arabic-speaking audience. Through this investigation, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of cross-cultural literary exchange and highlights the role of Nigerian writers in fostering linguistic diversity and cultural dialogue. Furthermore, the researcher observes that writers in Nigeria have played an active role in the translation movement, contributing to the development of the Arabic language. Notable figures include Professor Isaac Ogunbiyi, who translated a collection of Yoruba folktales from Yoruba to Arabic, titled "Folk Stories about the Turtle among the Yoruba," in 1974. The late Dr. Olalere Adigun (d. 1991) also translated an English novel into Arabic titled "The African Night Entertainment" in 1994. Additionally, Professor Masoud Raji translated an English novel into Arabic titled "The Burning Grass" in 1997. Moreso, Professor Ahmed Sheikh Abdul Salam translated a Yoruba novel into Arabic titled “Ireke Onibudo” in 1994, and Professor Mashood Mahmoud Jimba translated another Yoruba novel into Arabic titled "The Bold Hunter in the Forest of Spirits" (Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Olodumare) in 2002, others. This research adopts a descriptive exploratory approach and an analytical method, extracting samples from books translated into Arabic by Nigerian writers.

Keywords: Literary, Translation, Arabic, Nigerian, Cultural Exchange