Document Type : علمی- پژوهشی

Author

• Aliakbar Samkhaniani

Department of Persian language & literature, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

Abstract

Discourse analysis is a common subject between linguistics and different branches of humanities and social sciences and tries to show the coherence of form and meaning in a text or communication field. Literary texts are one of the most important discourse texts. Discourse analysis in literary works is of significance not only in more accurate knowing of works but also in anthropology, Understanding of communication structures and cogitative foundations of a society. The "anti-authoritarian" discourse, which is an appendage of the term "tyranny" can be found in Persian literary and historical texts with different characteristics, components and titles. The analysis of anti-authoritarian discourse examines the demonstrations of this critical discourse in a semiotic field and an interdisciplinary study. The present study tries to prove the systematic unity of the components of the first chapter of Bustân in Saadi's anti-authoritarian discourse by describing, explaining, interpreting verbal behavior, linguistic usage, rhetorical dimensions, formulation of concepts and components. In the current research, the theories of Foucault and the methods of Norman Fairclough and Theo Van Dyck are used in discourse analysis.

Highlights

Extended Abstract

Analysis of Saadi's philosophical parrhesia and anti-authoritarian discourse in the first chapter of Boostan

Aliakbar Samkhaniani[1]

Introduction

Literary texts contain various discourses and discourse analysis in literary works is of significance not only in more precise understanding of the work itself but also in anthropology, knowing the communication structures and mindset foundations of a society. Discourse analysis is a common subject between linguistics and various branches of humanities and social sciences and tries to show the coherence of form and meaning in a text or communication field. The first chapter of Boostan titled as "In justice, Tactfulness and Judgment” is allocated to expressing the political wisdom, and its literary frame is the words of exhortatory, admonitions, and short anecdotes. A reflection on this chapter shows that this chapter is different from all previous essays in terms of style and form of words and the type of concepts. He speaks boldly in it. The current research shows that Saadi's arrogance is not accidental, but is part of a verbal and behavioral system and a conceptual formulation, and it is the emergence of an important political discourse, which today is called anti-authoritarian discourse. Any history of the term "tyranny" in the political literature of Iran goes back to the constitutional movement, i.e. the years (1906-1910 A.D/1284-1288Hijri), but the discourse of "tyranny" and "anti-tyranny" and most of its conceptual components have existed since ancient times. Formulation of conceptual indicators and components and its analysis can be sought and proved; for example, Abu Nasr Farabi has presented the components of autocratic ethics in the form of social type-knowing form of "Taghalub Medina’s citizens" and classified this type as a collect of "Ignorant Civilizations". After him, there have been other thinkers, sages, poets and politicians who have written their works supporting or fighting against authoritarian discourse, and Saadi belongs to the second category. He represented the anti-authoritarian discourse in the first chapter of Boostan as well as Saadi's Golestan. This research tries to find answers to the following questions to prove the existence of Saadi's authoritarian discourse in the first chapter of Boostan:

- What are the elements, components and concepts of anti-authoritarian discourse in the first chapter of Boostan?

- How could the samples Saadi's philosophical boldness in the first chapter of Boostan be analyzed?

In this research, while paying attention to historical opinions, we have tried to analyze the format, structure, style, tone of speech, linguistic elements, rhetorical points and interpretation and analysis of the theme and formulation of the concepts of unity of components and textual elements in the anti-authoritarian discourse of the first chapter of Bostan Saadi.

Theoretical Foundations

 In this research, while paying attention to historical opinions, by describing the format, structure, style, tone of speech, linguistic elements, rhetorical points and interpretation and analysis of the theme and formulation of the concepts, we have tried to show the unity of components and textual elements in the anti-authoritarian discourse of the first chapter of Boostan. Therefore, our method is consistent with the critical discourse analysis method of Norman Fairclough and Theon Van Dyke. Also, in the current research, we have tried to compare the dimensions and examples of Saadi's boldness (Parrhesia) with Foucault's theory about Parrhesia. Michel Foucault assigns a philosophical position the Parrhesia. The Greek term parrhesia means "to say everything" and to speak without filter and unrestrained... especially to dare to say anything that cowardice or shame prevents us from saying... so it can be Translated as "frank speech", "honest expression", "courage of truth" or "freedom of expression". (See: Foucault, 2019: XiV). Foucault at first took this issue under the field of "pragmatics of discourse" but finally recognized and argued it under "obligations to truth" and argues as ‘Parrhesia has a fundamental political value and provides the possibility of re-evaluation; the relationship between democracy and truth; it is a decisive moral value for the problematology of the relationship between subjectivity and truth, as well as a philosophical value for drawing the genealogy of a critical attitude’.

Discussion

 In the formulation of other concepts in the first chapter of Boostan, the following are identified in the semiotic system of the anti-authoritarian discourse: the choice of story-based form and the dominance of warning stories over abhorrence ones is an intelligent action and Sa’adi’s indirect address to the king; the poet has expressed much of what should be said to the ruler indirectly. On the other hand, in the direct addresses, the angle of Saadi's address also overlooks the addressee (the king). Accepting the risk of being bold, avoiding flattery, freedom of speech, and the courageous behavior of the characters in the stories in telling the truth and the confirmation of their words by Saadi at the end of the stories show that Saadi, while having a pragmatic and interactive approach, is deeply committed to the truth. From the perspective of language function-knowledge, most of the anecdotes of the first chapter of Boostan have a warning aspect. The abundance of prohibition verbs and sentences and the dominance of warning over other cases show that Saadi's anti-authoritarian discourse is centered on the first chapter. From the point of view of semiotics, the existence of many bitter allegories for rulers in stories, direct and indirect insults, describing the kings and rulers as oppressor, cruel, tyrannical, and likening the brutal kings to a dog-breeding peasant, ignorant, Snake, wolf, donkey etc are examples of Saadi's philosophical boldness. In some anecdotes and speeches of the first chapter, the tone of Saadi's speech is very biting and impudent and this is the result of a conscious decision and a complement for the existence of other anti-authoritarian concepts. Saadi repeatedly compares his tongue to sword specially Zulfikar, a sword whose owner, Ali bin Abi Talib, uses it to help the truth and justice, fight against the oppressor, and support the oppressed. Therefore, comparing the tongue to Zulfiqar shows an ideology itself and a mental and philosophical attitude and a commitment to the truth. Many times, Saadi repeatedly addresses himself to conquer now that you have this sword in your hand. It is clear that the nature of this conquest is actually a discursive nature.

Conclusion

The analysis of the dimensions and forms of Saadi's boldness (parrhesia) shows that Saadi's verbal behavior is consistent with Michel Foucault's epistemological analysis for the political value of writing boldly and its connection with democracy and commitment to truth and discursive genealogy. The praise of justice and wisdom is actually prohibiting the king from the tyranny, ignorance, oppression, self-righteousness and being tactless. Encouraging the king to consult, emphasizing on people-centered approach in all political and social decisions, evaluating the king's religiosity by the level of his service to the people, forbidding the king to seek personal gain, emphasizing on moral teachings, tolerance, peace-seeking, prohibition of war (taghalob) and granting the oppressed people the right to revolt against the ruler's brutality are all parts of the anti-authoritarian discourse.

Keywords: Anti-authoritarian discourse analysis, analysis of parrhesia, language function knowledge in discourse, Saadi's Boostan, Philosophical audacity.

[1] . associate professor in Persian language and literature, University of Birjand. Iran. asamkhaniani@birjand.ac.ir

References:

Aghagolzadeh, Ferdows. (1385). Critical discourse analysis. Tehran:  Elmi- Farhangi.

 Aghagolzadeh, Ferdows. (1386). "Critical discourse analysis and literature", The journal Adab Pazhuhi, Year 1, No. 1. 27-17.

Ali bin Abi-Talib,(1371), Nahj al-Balagha, Muhammad bin Hossein Sharif al-Razi, translated by Sayyed Jafar.Shahidi, Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications.

https://doi.org/10.22034/perlit.2024.59346.3599

Keywords

• anti-authoritarian discourse analysis
• Saadi'
• s Boostan&rdquo
• analysis of parrisia
• philosophical Parrisia
• language usage in discourse&rdquo

Main Subjects

• Lyrical and Didactic Literature