Journal of Arabic Language & Literature

Discourse Analysis in the Poem ‘Jerusalem, Capital of Heaven, Jerusalem, Capital of Roots’ by Izz al-Din al-Manasirah, in light of Van Dijk’s Methodology

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mahmoud Moslemi 1
Mohammad Reza Khezri 2

1 Assistant Professor Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/jall.2026.95976.1599
Abstract
Palestinian poetry serves as a vital cultural instrument that has significantly contributed to the preservation of national identity and the articulation of collective consciousness amid the political and social challenges confronting Palestine. This study examines a contemporary poetic work titled ‘Jerusalem, Capital of Heaven, Jerusalem, Capital of Roots’, authored by the poet Izz al-Din al-Manasirah, with an emphasis on the semantic and linguistic dimensions that embody the elements of Palestinian identity and expressions of resilience. The research posits that poetic texts transcend mere aesthetic considerations to function as vehicles for cultural and political discourse, reflecting social practices and the collective Palestinian psyche. Employing an analytical framework that integrates literary theory with textual analysis, this study draws upon the principles of critical discourse analysis as articulated by Teun A. Van Dijk to investigate the linguistic representation of identity and resistance within al-Manasirah’s poem. The significance of this research lies in its capacity to establish connections between the poem's textual structures and its historical and political contexts, thereby elucidating the mechanisms through which the poet conveys messages of resilience and defiance. The analysis demonstrates that the text employs a variety of linguistic structures and interconnected semantic layers, enhancing the portrayal of Jerusalem and Palestinian identity as pivotal symbols. Furthermore, it underscores the role of poetry in shaping a collective consciousness that mirrors the cultural, social, and political values inherent in Palestinian society. This research aims to explore how resistance poetry aids in the preservation of identity and fosters cultural communication, while also illuminating the literary strategies that render poetic texts a platform for expressing belonging and steadfastness in the face of multifaceted challenges.
 
 

Keywords

Jerusalem
Roots
Palestinian Identity
Critical Discourse Analysis
Teun Van Dijk
Linguistic Strategies
Subjects
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