"Cultural Patterns in Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri's Poem Lughat al-Thiyab"

Abstract

Modern and postmodern critical studies draw upon specific cultural values that significantly impact the construction of poetic discourse and the formulation of its fundamental principles. Among the most notable approaches that emphasize the discursive aspect and aid in interpreting texts, by connecting them to the contexts in which they were created, is one that focuses on the social, political, and intellectual dimensions surrounding the poet. These factors influence the poet’s thoughts and crystallize their visions, allowing critics to use this context as a means to explore the deeper meanings within the text.

        By following certain standards that address its need to understand creative language, modern criticism aims to offer methods for interpreting symbols and exploring the meanings that lie beneath. This is accomplished by examining linguistic signs and symbolic themes to achieve a thorough understanding of the author's intentions through analysis and interpretation. This involves emphasizing the dimension of cultural patterns, which is inseparable from discourse analysis due to the tight relationship between cultural patterns and their emotional impact. This emotion will then serve as the central concept for the discourse.

Considering the procedural requirements and methodologies employed in cultural analysis for innovative texts, this study aims to interpret the poetic language found in one of the most renowned poems that showcases the intertwining of reality in all its aspects along with the poet's thoughts, fantasies, and imaginative imagery. This is exemplified in “Lughat al-Thiyab” by Iraqi poet Mohammed Mahdi Al-Jawahiri. The poem's underlying meanings allow for an analysis through this methodology, reflecting a genuine sensitivity to the poet's intended message. Relying solely on the aesthetic use of language, as practiced by certain poets, proves inadequate for a detailed textual analysis and understanding of their aims; thus, postmodern criticism has sought to offer alternative strategies for a deeper engagement with poetic discourse.