Cultural Palace Hosts Workshop On Contemporary Poetic Rhetorical Techniques For Arab Scholars

The 28th Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity (SAAC) hosted a workshop on modern poetic rhetorical techniques. Held at the Cultural Palace on 15th April 2025, the event attracted Arab scholars, critics, and poets. Organised by Sharjah's Department of Culture, this gathering highlighted contemporary literary discussions and innovations.

During the workshop, two sessions were conducted. The first was an academic and critical session where scholars presented their research papers. Dr. Nabila Qutb Rushdi discussed "The Rhetoric of Contemporary Arabic Poetry Writing," focusing on modernist poetry's philosophical symbolism and reflective nature.

Dr. Marwa Diab Al-Hayji's paper, "Rhetorical Techniques in Contemporary Poetics," delved into symbolic and linguistic shifts in modern poetry. She stressed the role of intertextuality and internal rhythm in crafting new poetic meanings. Her insights provided a fresh perspective on how language evolves within poetry.

Dr Fatima Abdul Hamid Mohamed Ali examined rhetorical innovation in her paper "New Techniques in the Modernist Poem." She explored changes from traditional metre to symbolism and irony, highlighting the use of everyday language rich in sensory detail. This approach offers a deeper interpretive experience for readers.

Researcher Taha Hussein Mahmoud (Al-Aswani) presented a comparative analysis titled "The Rhetoric of Modern Poetry: Free Verse and Prose Poetry." He explained differences between these forms regarding rhythm, imagery, and symbolic density. His work provided clarity on how these styles contribute uniquely to modern poetry.

The workshop also featured a poetry reading session where Arab poets shared diverse poems blending authenticity with innovation. These readings expressed deeply human experiences through various themes and styles, showcasing the richness of contemporary Arab poetry.

Impact on Arab Literary Landscape

The Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity aims to be a key player in the Arab cultural movement and literary scene. Mohammed Al Qusair, Director of Cultural Affairs at Sharjah's Department of Culture, noted that the award has enriched the Arab literary library with numerous publications across genres like poetry, novels, short stories, theatre, children's literature, and criticism.

Many winning entries have been published as part of the award's series. These works are now vital resources for scholars, critics, and poets within Arab libraries. They reflect a youthful literary generation's essence and showcase new writers' creative influences.

This dedication to fostering creativity highlights SAAC's commitment to supporting emerging talents while contributing significantly to contemporary literature in the Arab world.

With inputs from WAM