Algerian Haiku in the Mirror of Criticism : Reading Stakes and the Classification Dilemma

Abstract

This study examines critical discourse on the haiku experience in Algeria, exploring the theoretical and methodological foundations that have shaped its interpretation. It also addresses the significant challenges that critics have faced when dealing with this new literary form. Furthermore, the study analyses the concept of haiku, whether by accepting or rejecting the term or by classifying it within literary genres.

The study is based on the hypothesis that the challenges encountered by Algerian critics in approaching haiku stem not only from the nature of the haiku text itself, but also from the diversity of the theoretical and critical frameworks which have they relied, including Japanese, Arabic and modern critical approaches. This diversity has resulted in significant differences in perspectives and evaluations. One of the key  issues is the disagreement over the term 'haiku', which extends beyond purely linguistics to reflect a deeper divergence in the conception of this literary genre and the boundaries of its affiliation.

This study analyses the challenges involved in critically reading Algerian haiku. It examines the approaches adopted by critics and the limits of their ability to capture the distinctive characteristics of haiku texts. The study also addresses the dilemma of classification resulting from the overlap between haiku and other short literary forms, such as the flash story, anecdote, signature, epigram and short poem. The study attempts to identify the reasons for this overlap and the validity of the conclusions reached by critical discourse.

It concludes that differences in Algerian criticism reflect the modernity and openness of the haiku experience in Algeria to diverse cultural references rather than confusion. However, this diversity calls for a comprehensive re-examination of critical concepts, terminology and tools to develop a critical framework that better accommodates the specific characteristics of Algerian haiku and the evolving nature of this literary genre within Arab cultural contexts.This study was prompted by a number of questions, the most important of which are: How has Algerian critical discourse on haiku taken shape? And to what extent has Algerian critical discourse been able to construct a coherent critical conception of haiku, given the divergence of its positions on the term, the varying interpretive approaches, and the persistent dilemma of classification?