Content Details | NUML Online Research Repository

Title Discursive Construction of Local Culture In Schimmel's Analysis of Sufi Poetry

Author(s) Muhammad Ilyas Chishti

Abstract The study is an enquiry into construction of local culture within Schimmel’s interpretive discourse on Sufi poetry. Discursive construction acquires significance visibly noticed in research pursuits pertaining to construction of local culture, ideological perspectives embedded within interpretation of Sufi poetry and investigation of the level of adequacy in Schimmel’s reconstruction of local culture. The examination of Schimmel’s works through a critical discourse perspective is a distinct dimension of investigation within Sufi discourse. Further, investigation of a Western scholar’s profound understanding and evident inclination towards Sufi themes also acquires significance. Employment of research-based methods of enquiry for Sufi interpretive discourse, promotion of ‘Discourse Competence’, portrayal of various cultural aspects embedded within local cultural traditions, revival of various folk elements incorporated within Sufi interpretive discourse and formation of a positive and tolerant image of Islamic concept of Sufism through promotion of cultural values are some of the prominent aspects signifying my study. Seeking insights from CDA as the most preferred method of enquiry, Fairclough’s three-dimensional model with textual, discursive and social dimensions was applied on 15 selected texts from three core books of Schimmel: Pain and Grace, Mystical Dimensions of Islam and As through a Veil. The study reveals the evident instances of discursively constructed local culture through various indicators reflected through folk traditions, traditional love element, music, superstitions, Sufi beliefs and practices etc. The traces of Schimmel’s ideologies are evident through frequent ‘value assumptions’ through which she relates her beliefs with various Sufi, folk and cultural themes. Prominence of authorial voice reflected through maneuvering of intertextual references, relations of elaboration, additive relations, frequency of her subjective stance and grasp over the minutest cultural details are indicative of a considerably adequate reconstruction of local culture within her analysis of Sufi poetry.

Type Thesis/Dissertation PhD

Faculty Languages

Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2015-01-01

Subject

Publisher

Contributor(s)

Format

Identifier

Source

Relation

Coverage

Rights