Intensification of Emotive Language in Selected English and Arabic Texts

This study probes into the intensification of emotive language in English and Arabic, focusing on rhetorical devices that amplify emotional expression. It investigates key questions on the types of rhetorical devices used in both languages, their similarities, and differences. The analysis is founded upon T.S. Eliot's "The Journey of the Magi" and Adonis's "An Elegy for Al-Hallaj," how both these works use devices like repetition, fragmentation, allusion, vivid imagery, and hyperbole to heighten emotive language. While English intensifies emotions with allusions to biblical themes and repetitive structures, the structural changes in poetry are more important for Arabic. Both the languages use repetition and hyperbolic expressions when they want to express more powerful feelings. It draws from rhetorical devices that exist in both languages to build a nuanced perspective about the role of language in describing some of those complexities in emotional states.

The ability of words to portray emotions depends on the emotions that a speaker or writer carries and the ability of a hearer or reader to interpret the words that he or she hears or reads. This ability is, however, affected by the social and cultural standards of the individual. Words, therefore, have this important role to carry all the feelings that the writer wants to express to his listeners or readers. It can therefore be asserted that both English and Arabic use similar devices including: repetition, fragmentation, allusions, hyperbole and even vivid imagery. However, the device applies because of the differences relating to language and culture. There are also some points of similarity between Eliot and Adonis's poems, reflecting the commonality and correspondence between human emotions and life struggles, although they belong to different cultures, societies, and religions. Finally, it is hoped that these findings and conclusions can aid researchers in understanding the differences and similarities between English and Arabic poetry through the analysis of the various devices employed in the selected poems. Furthermore, syllabus designers can benefit from this study by creating syllabi that integrate both languages. Bridging the gap between English and Arabic poetry can lead to a better learning experience for English learners. In this sense, learners can perceive poetry through a similar lens, allowing them to acquire the intended lessons more effectively.