The main trends in the development of new Arabic literature and the linguistic situation

Abstract

The process of forming new Arabic literature was inspired by Western ideas. All this contributed to the formation of new literary movements, and new prose genres (short story, novel, drama...). Thus, the twentieth century became a period of recognition and assimilation of Western literary trends for Arabic writing. At the same time, new Arabic literature manages to preserve the features characteristic of national literature in a common cultural-literary context.

When we talk about Arabic literature, we mean the literature of various Arab countries. Some researchers consider Arabic literature as a single whole. However, there are dozens of Arab states with different histories and different levels of development, so it is difficult to imagine the existence of a unified Arabic literature. However, there are a number of factors that contribute to this unity. For example: common historical experience, the Arabic language and a common cultural heritage. Special importance has always been attached to the Arabic language. Many scholars draw attention to the influence that the Arabic language and Arabic literature have on the Arab people. Literature reflects reality and the opinion of society. The existence of common literary trends is important for maintaining Arab unity. It is precisely such factors that determine the fact that the Arabs themselves more often speak of common Arabic literature than about Egyptian, Lebanese or Iraqi. Many prominent Arab writers believed that literature could contribute to this Arab unity since writers from Arab countries use the same language and share a common cultural background, literary tradition, and similar historical experience. However, it cannot be denied that there are differences in the literary works of these countries. This may concern style, theme, or philosophical outlook. If these different elements continue to develop independently, then the existence of a unified Arabic literature will become doubtful. Despite the desire to maintain a unified Arabic literature, not all Arab countries have been able to make the same contribution to the development of Arabic literature. As a result of the differences in historical conditions and socio-economic development, the transition from medieval to modern literature occurred at different times and in different ways in different regions of the Arab world. Egypt, Lebanon and Syria made a special contribution to the development of new Arabic literature. Journalism and the press played a decisive role in the formation and development of new Arabic literature, as well as in the formation of new linguistic and stylistic norms. Through the press, the current and living material of the new world was reflected in the Arabic language.

Representatives of new and modern Arabic literature pay great attention to the modern literary language; they try to preserve the merits of the literary form of the language and at the same time simplify it and make it more understandable for a wide circle of readers. It is noteworthy that the issue of the attitude of the literary and colloquial forms of the language in public life and literature of the Arab world is the subject of wide discussion.

The majority of Arab writers and men of letters give preference to the literary language, which is distinguished by its expressive and highly artistic capabilities. It is characterized by a solid grammatical system, rich vocabulary and a common form, which makes it accessible to readers from different countries of the Arab world. Despite this, works of art are also created in dialects.

Literature created in the literary language plays an important role in modern Arab culture. But at the same time, fiction created in dialect is part of the general Arabic literary space, and although we are dealing with a local manifestation, from a general Arabic point of view it is a fact that dialectal Arabic literature influences the development of the Arabic literary process in general.

In literature, dialect is used in dialogues and in a number of passages to reflect a real picture. Dramaturgy stands out in this regard, especially plays created on local and everyday themes. The choice of a literary form or dialect of the language in a work of fiction depends on its plot and purpose