Poetic Representation in the Diwan of Emir Abdelkader al-Jazairi

Abstract

This study examines the representations in the texts of the Diwan of Emir Abdelkader from a semiotic perspective in order to reveal their symbolic and semantic dimensions. It demonstrates how spiritual and Sufi representations reflect the dialectical relationship between human beings, souls, and the cosmos. The research also highlights human and ethical representations that connect positive and negative values. 

To this end, the study employs semiotic analytical tools such as signifiers and signifieds, semantic fields, binary oppositions, pragmatic context and semantic shifts (or semantic deviations) to understand the different levels of meaning. This approach reveals ethical, spiritual, national and human connotations. Furthermore, it clarifies the role of poetic imagery in constructing the poetic ‘self’ (the ‘I’) and in rendering the personal experiential dimension. Overall, the study confirms the importance of semiotic analysis for interpreting poetic texts in all their dimensions.