Maḥmūd Ġanāyim Books

This study examines novels and short stories by members of the Palestinian minority in Israel from 1948 to 2012, focusing on the role of the Palestinian dialect in literary titles and texts. Utilizing a semiotic perspective, it explores the social, cultural, and political significance of dialect within this body of literature. The analysis centers on the semiotic triangle of title, text, and context, aiming to clarify the position and tendencies of this literature in both the Arab and local literary landscapes, from synchronic and diachronic viewpoints. As a pioneering effort in Palestinian literature, the study employs contemporary literary-linguistic tools to identify key thematic issues relevant to the current state of Palestinian literature. It seeks to illuminate the intricate tapestry of ethnic history, literary poetics, and ethno-politics shaped by recent Palestinian experiences, thereby addressing deep-rooted regional tensions and forging new connections between literature and politics in a Middle Eastern context. Mahmud Ghanayim draws on a diverse corpus of works by notable authors, including Najwā Qaʿwār Faraḥ, Emile Ḥabībī, and others, representing a range of periods, genders, and religions, while engaging with a broad spectrum of ideological, literary, and cultural concepts.

Arabic fiction by Palestinian writers in Israel experienced a rebirth following the establishment of the State in 1948, a pivotal event that reshaped the region. In The Quest for a Lost Identity, Mahmud Ghanayim explores this creative evolution over the past fifty years. He provides a literary analysis of Palestinian literature's development and its challenges under martial law. By examining works from writers such as Hanna Ibrahim, Atallah Mansur, and Emile Habibi, Ghanayim highlights the role of ideologically-driven literary criticism in shaping the cultural revival of this national minority. He illustrates the emergence of a new Palestinian self-image, characterized by a desire to produce literature that is aesthetically inspired rather than politically constrained. Emile Habibi stands out as a key figure who sought to transcend local cultural norms to achieve artistic modernity, successfully appealing to diverse audiences, including the local Arab minority, Jewish readers, and the broader Arab world. Through this analysis, Ghanayim captures the complexities and aspirations of Palestinian literature in the context of its historical and cultural backdrop.