Identifying the Legitimization Elements in Imam Reza’s Debate with Two Prominent Jewish and Christian Leaders Using Van Leeuwen’s Model of Critical Discourse Analysis

Afzali, Zahra

doi:10.22034/farzv.2023.391840.1862

Identifying the Legitimization Elements in Imam Reza’s Debate with Two Prominent Jewish and Christian Leaders Using Van Leeuwen’s Model of Critical Discourse Analysis

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Zahra Afzali

Associate Professor of Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/farzv.2023.391840.1862

Abstract

Critical discourse analysis (CDA) emerged in the 20th century as an approach to discourse analysis that examines the social and cultural functions of discourse. Various scholars have contributed to the development of this approach including Dutch linguist Theo van Leeuwen who has discussed important theoretical issues in the field of CDA. Legitimation is one of his theoretical notions which is based on four components, namely, authorization, moral evaluation, rationalization, and mythopoesis. This theory is a suitable framework for the analysis of legitimation in different texts. The present study uses this theoretical framework to examine the debate of Imam Reza with two prominent Christian and Jewish figures. The research method is descriptive-analytical and the aim is to understand the method of legitimation as well as its effectiveness in Imam Reza’s discourse. The significance of the study lies in the fact that the debate between a major Islamic scholar, i.e. Imam Reza, and two prominent Christian and Jewish figures unveils some truths about Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The findings show that legitimation in Imam’s debate is mostly manifested in the authorization component which helps to resolve controversial issues such as the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad, the prophethood of Jesus Christ, slanders against Jesus Christ, and the lack of divinity of Jesus Christ. In fact, by using a method that fits the religious beliefs of the audience, Imam Reza’s legitimation in discourse has successfully led to the persuasion of the audience.

Keywords

critical discourse analysis

van Leeuwen’s theory

legitimation

Imam Reza’s debate

two prominent Christian and Jewish figures

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