Raymond, Gomaa to discuss Arab societies in literature
Photo courtesy of Chad Raymond
Dr. Chad Raymond and Dr. Sally Gomaa will discuss depictions of Arab societies in literature during a presentation scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 9. “Lost in Non-Translation: Misrepresentation of the Middle East” will be held at 4 p.m. in the McKillop Library.
American students often encounter the Middle East through novels translated into English. These novels are frequently presented by instructors and understood by students as stylized but accurate depictions of Arab societies as they currently exist. In reality, the extremely limited numbers of translated Arabic novels used in U.S. classrooms perpetuate ahistorical stereotypes that are infused with violence, misogyny and religious fanaticism. Although students may be interested in learning about the contemporary Middle East, the literature they encounter can lead to the reinforcement of existing prejudices rather than complex thought.
Raymond is associate professor of political science and international relations at Salve Regina. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Gomaa is associate professor of English and communications at Salve Regina. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Alexandria University, a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a Ph.D. in English, rhetoric and composition from the University of Rhode Island.
