A Comparative Study of Naturalistic Tendencies in Works by Sadegh Chubak and Jack London: A Functional Linguistics Approach

Document Type : Research

Authors

1 Assistant professor in Linguistics, Linguistics Department, Foreign Languages Faculty, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan

2 Assistant professor in English Literature, English Language Department, Foreign Languages Faculty, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan

3 MA Graduated in Linguistics, Linguistics Department, Foreign Languages Faculty, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan.

Abstract

Stylistics is a branch of applied linguistics that connects linguistics and literature, functioning like as a bridge between the two. This shows that studying literary text is not limited to literature. Generally, the analysis of literary texts is based on two methods. The First method, used by literary experts, is mainly based on traditional and modern literary criticism, as well as determining the type of literary text. The second method, which is based on objectivism and the use of demonstrability methods using the foundations of other disciplines, is employed in linguistics. Different linguistic approaches such as formalism, structuralism, and cognitive linguistics can provide the framework for literary analysis. Among these, functional linguistics is one of the most efficient approaches in stylistics due to its emphasis on context.
Functional theories of language consider language fundamentally as a tool. In this case, it is reasonable to assume that language structure could be analyzed with reference to the functions they carry out better. There are various approaches in functional linguistic schools; one of the most famous one is Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). SFL views language as a social semiotic system. The present study aims to aply Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) to investigate the thematic features of two short stories ‘Mardi dar qafas’ (A Man in the Cage)” by Sadegh Chubak and “To Build a Fire” by Jack London through a comparative approach. In this research, their devotion to naturalism has been considered as the most important common point of Sadegh Chubak and Jack London. As far as we know, Chubak’s literary works have not been investigated separately or comparatively in Halliday’s SFG. Therefore, no  research directly related to the topic exists. Furthermore, based on the review of previous studies, it seems that Jack London’s literary works have not served as a basis for comparative studies with Iranian writers.

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References

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