Semiotics of the Representation Methods of Social Agents in Zahran Al-Qasimi's Novel "Taghriba al-Qafir" Based on Van Leeuwen's Theory

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

hossein elyasi ¹

hamid motavalizadeh ²

¹ Assistant Professor

² farhangian

https://doi.org/10.22067/jall.2026.93483.1541

Abstract

The element of character in a literary work is of great importance; however, in narratology, this element, unlike elements such as plot and theme, has received less attention and has not been carefully studied in discourse studies. Among the numerous theories in discourse studies, Van Leeuwen’s semiotic analysis of social actors is noteworthy for its treatment of the category of character or actor. This theory examines how characters are represented, the different methods of their representation, and the functions each serves in understanding the content and discourse. Van Leeuwen has discussed the various ways of representing character or actor in a work, which is equivalent to the concept of subject in Grimas's view, according to the two methods of mention and omission. Understanding these methods greatly helps in understanding the theme and discourse of the work. Considering the importance of this issue, the present article uses a descriptive-analytical method to examine the representation of actors and their methods in the novel "Taghriba al-Qafir" by Zahran Al-Qasimi based on the theory of Van Leeuwen to reveal the methods and functions of representing these actors. The novel "Taghriba al-Qafir " is an environmental work that visualizes the relationship between humans and water, one of the fundamental elements in the lives of Omani villagers. The result shows that the author has represented characters in accordance with the real and local atmosphere of the novel in the form of mentions and omissions. Also, characters related to the category of water have been represented with a focus on the local characteristics and specific to the cultural space of the narrative.

Keywords

Van Leeuwen

Taghriba al-Qafir

semiotics

representation of actors

contemporary Omani novel

Subjects

• Semiotics

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