Islam and the West : Problematizing a Discourse of Dualism

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Nathan Chapman Lean (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Advisor

Derek F. Maher

Abstract: "Islam and the West " a dualistic phrase that gained sudden ascendancy following the events of September 11 2001 is used variously to refer to the mutual relationship between Muslims and those living in a sometimes ill-defined region called "the West." The binary phrase in question serves to reify what are depicted as incommensurate and incompatible opposites in terms of politics culture religion and otherwise. This thesis argues that the perceived division between Islam and "the West" arises within a discourse that presumes configures and reinforces a relationship of conflict between the two. Coming from different viewpoints the individuals examined in this thesis end up deploying similar linguistic maneuvers that advance their own ideological beliefs reinforce their self-identities and represent their respective values as universal. As a result each group views the other as threatening and necessarily oppositional. An analysis of key terms and phrases used by influential scholars political and religious leaders and the general public within "Western" and Muslim-majority societies will reveal the constructed nature of the division between Islam and "the West." Additionally this thesis will examine the ways in which other discursive practices such as selective representation reification and the deployment of charged stereotypes influence policy makers who seek to establish global positions of power. By problematizing the language that both sides of this perceived dualism use to represent themselves and the other it will be demonstrated that the perceived conflicting relationship between Islam and "the West" results in part from the linguistic practices that each side deploys. 

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Date: 2013

Keywords

Religion, General

Subjects

Islamic countries--Relations--Western countries

Western countries--Relations--Islamic countries

Sociolinguistics--Cross-cultural studies

Language and culture

Ethnic conflict

Islamic civilization

Civilization, Western

Islamophobia

Intercultural communication

East and West

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