Linguistic and Cultural Expressions of Algerian Identity in Abdelhamid Benhadouga's Rih el Djanoub: a Sociolinguistic Study

Abstract

This study explores Abdelhamid Benhadouga's Rih El Djanoub as a key work in postcolonial Algerian literature. It analyzes the novel's effective use of literary dialect, cultural expressions, and thematic elements to portray the complexities of rural Algerian life and identity. The research investigates the novel’s linguistic richness, examining its incorporation of Algerian Arabic, proverbs, and loanwords to reflect societal dynamics and preserve oral traditions. Furthermore, it delves into the cultural dimensions of the narrative, focusing on folklore, traditional practices, and beliefs. Thematic analysis considers the interplay of tradition and modernity, the symbolism of the Southern Wind, and the representation of women. By situating Rih El Djanoub within sociolinguistic, cultural, and postcolonial frameworks, this paper demonstrates its lasting significance as a literary and cultural artifact.