Levels of Critical Discourse Analysis in the story collection (Body Noise) by Haifa Bitar

Abstract

This study examines the levels of critical discourse analysis in the novel "The Noise of the Body" by Haifa Bitar, based on Norman Fairclough's theory, which highlights the relationship between language and power. The study aims to explore how Bitar employs language to challenge the dominant patriarchal discourse and expose forms of discrimination and marginalization faced by women in a male-dominated society. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the study distinguishes itself from previous research by focusing directly on analyzing the novel "The Noise of the Body", an area not previously addressed, as earlier studies concentrated on other literary works, such as Ghada Al-Samman’s poetry and the novel "The American Keeper". Our study integrates an exploration of the social context with an analysis of the literary and artistic techniques used in the novel to confront the dominant patriarchal discourse. While previous research emphasized the significance of critical discourse in understanding the social and political dimensions of literature, our study combines literary text analysis with an examination of how these texts highlight issues of discrimination and marginalization faced by women. The findings reveal that "The Noise of the Body" serves as a prominent example of literature used as a tool to address sensitive social and political issues, underscoring the importance of analyzing literary texts to understand the cultural and social structures they reflect. The study recommends further research utilizing critical discourse theories to analyze feminist literary texts in the Arab world and calls for expanding studies on Haifa Bitar’s works for a deeper understanding of her style and critical vision.