Legitimization and De-legitimization in the Poems of Malek Alshoara Bahar and Haji Qader Koui Based on Van Leeuwen's Theory

Abstract

Critical discourse analysis is a process for the revelation of hidden thoughts and ideologies in a text (discourse). One of the theorists of critical discourse analysis is Theo van Leeuwen, whose theory of "social actors" and "social action-reactions" seeks to legitimize or de-legitimize some actors, their actions and goals. The methods of legitimizing an object or delegitimizing it are the basis of this theory. The four main strategies for legitimizing discourse are: 1) validation, 2) moral evaluation, 3) rationalization, and 4) myth-making. Each of these four methods has various forms and in this research, the poems of Malek al-Sho'ra Bahar and Haji Qader Kooi have been examined from the perspective of approaches for legitimizing discourse. Findings show that in the poems of Bahar and Haji Qader Kooi de-legitimization is more frequent than the legitimization. The models of de-legitimization used by the poets are adopted from Quranic verses, ancient kings of Iran and the glorious history of ancient Persia and some other civilized countries. Following the examples of the Qur'an and the ancient kings and by quoting the words of the Prophet (PBUH) and the elders of ancient Iran, Bahar and Haji Qadir have delegitimized the government of their time through accreditation and mentioning the negative attributes of the dominant system and members of the governing body. Also, both poets allude to the heroic mythology of ancient Persia so as to enthuse the people into action against the government and de-legitimizing that government.

Keywords

• discourse analysis
• legitimization
• de-legitimization
• van leeuwen
• malek al-sho'ra bahar
• haji qader koui