A sociological look at the encounter between self-other link based on Horton Cooley's Theory (Case study: novel of “I lead you to my other” by Aicha Arnaout)

زبان و ادبیات عربی

Volume 15, Issue 4 - Serial Number 35, March 2024, Pages 41-59   

Document Type: research article

DOI: 10.22067/jallv15.i4.2404-1416

Authors

Amir Farhangdust¹; Abdolahad Gheibi^{* 2}; Mahin Hajizadeh³

¹PhD Candidate in Arabic Language and Literature, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.

²Professor in Arabic Language and Literature, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.

³Professor in Arabic Language and Literature, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

 .
The concepts of self and other in the modern era have undoubtedly diverged from premodern understandings. One effective approach to comprehend this connection is through the lens of sociological formulations. Charles Horton Cooley, a prominent American sociologist, offered a distinct perspective on this issue. His empathetic, introspective approach posits the self as inherently connected to society. He argues that understanding the self is impossible outside the context of society and the reflected perceptions of others. Cooley categorizes this interconnectedness into four forms: organic dependency, the other as imagination, the looking-glass self, and the self and group as another. Each form possesses unique characteristics.
This novel approach to self and other serves as the theoretical framework for the present analysis of Aicha Arnaout's novel, "I Lead You to My Other." The novel's central theme, evident in its preface, is explored through a scientific lens using Cooley's theories. This essay demonstrates that the Syrian-Albanian author was not unconcerned with Cooley's sociological ideas and proposed forms of self-other connection. Through the creation of "Saros" an invisible entity crucial to the story, Arnaout vividly portrays the encounter with an imaginary other, or "the other as imagination." Furthermore, the deep and distinct relationships Maryam, the novel's protagonist, forms with various characters exemplify the concepts of organic dependency, the looking-glass self, and the self and group as another. These details, supported by evidence from the novel, were initially outlined at the beginning of this research.

Keywords

Self; other; Horton Cooley; Aicha Arnaout; novel of “I lead you to my other”

Supplementary Files

in + ref3.pdf

References

Al-Tunji, M. (2001). Dictionery of womens̕ flags. Beirut: Dar Al-Elm L'el- Malayeen. [In Arabic].

Arnaout, A. (2006) I lead you to my others. Damascus: Dar Canaan. [In Arabic].

Craib, I. (1999). Social theory from Parsons to Habermas. Translated by Ghuloum, M. Kuwait: National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters [In Arabic].

Coser, L. (2021). The life and thought of great sociologists. Translated by Thalasi, M. Third edition,  Tehran: Elmi. [In Persian].

Cooley, C. (2021). Human Nature and the Social Order. Translated by Saffar, M. Third edition, Tehran: Samt. [In Persian].

Delaney, T. (2021). Classical Social Theory. Translated by Seddighi, B & Tolouee, V. 14th edition .Tehran: Ney. [In Persian].

Hajizadeh, M& Gheibi,A &Farhangdust,A.(2023). Meaningful use of the view in the cinematic compositions of the novel “I lead you to others” by Aicha Arnaout. Adab-E-Arabic.15 (1). 61-82. [In Persian].Doi: 10.22059/Jalit.2022.339781.612519

Jizani, M. (2012). Self-concept and social maturity. Amman: Dar Safaa for Publishing and Distribution. [In Arabic].

Ogburn, W & Nimkoff, M. (1975). The field of sociology. Translated by Arianpour, A . 9th edition.Tehran: Pocket books joint stock company. [In Persian].

Rusk, J. (1990). An introduction to sociology. Translated by Nabavi, B & Karimi, A.Tehran: Farvardin. [In Persian].

Ritzer, G. (2014). Contemporary Sociological theory,Translated by Thalasi, M. 19th edition, Tehran: Elmi. [In Persian].

________(2022) Theory of Sociology, translated by Hoshang Naibi, 9th edition, Tehran: NashreNey.

Sayadani, A& Ahmadzadeh, P &Farhangdust,A (2022). Expressionist Manifestability of the structure of language   and meaning in the poems of aicha Arnaout. Arabic Language & literature. 14 (3). 26-45. [In Persian] .Doi: 10.22067/jallv14.i3 2204-1135

Tabatabaie, S & Parandavaje, N. (2019). The Shift from Masculine to Feminine Identity in La Nuit Sacrée Novel by Tahar Ben Jelloun.  Arabic Language & literature. 11 (1). 171-193. [In Persian]. Doi: 10.22067/jall.v11i2.68651

Tanhaee, H. (2016). Analytical Recognition of Modern Sociological Theory in Intermediate Modernity. Tehran: Elm. [In Persian].

Tobias, R. (2021). 20 Master Plot (5th ed). Translated by Rahneshin, E. second edition,Tehran: Saghi. [In Persian].