Dzil Majaz
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): January-April

The Representation of Femininity in the Lyrics of Nizar Qabbani: A Connotative Semiotic Approach of Roland Barthes

Andi Khaeratul Ummah (Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University)
Abdul Muntaqim Al Anshory (Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University)
Nur Hasaniyah (Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

The representation of women in modern Arabic poetry remains a significant scholarly focus, particularly in works that challenge traditional portrayals. Nizar Qabbani reconstructs feminine identity by depicting women as emotionally complex, intellectually dignified, and spiritually grounded. This study aims to reveal the connotative meanings in five poems from Asyhadu An Lā Imra’atan Illā Anti and explain how these signs construct a multidimensional image of women. Using a qualitative descriptive method supported by library research, the study applies Roland Barthes’ semiotics—especially second-order signification—to analyze symbolic signs, diction, and imagery. Primary data consist of Qabbani’s poems, while secondary data come from literature on semiotics and Arabic poetry. The findings show that Qabbani presents women as central emotional and existential forces: caregivers, spiritual guides, poetic inspirations, and individuals shaped by cultural pressures. His poetry dismantles stereotypes and reframes femininity through symbols of inner strength, resilience, and emotional honesty. Thus, women appear as active subjects shaping meaning, identity, and human experience

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Journal Info

Abbrev

dzilmajaz

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Dzil Majaz is a journal of Arabic Literature which is published Biannually on January and July by Arabic Literature Department, Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Darul Ulum Banyuanyar, Pamekasan. The journal covers language issues researched in the literary history, literary theory, literary criticism, ...