Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 March 2005
This paper invites discussion on the proposition of compiling a Palestinian Arabic emotive lexicon that would incorporate in its entries, in addition to cognitive definitions, the emotions, associations, connotations, metaphors, idioms, and non-verbal expressions that are commonly associated with a given word. My main working hypothesis is that semantics must address emotions, i.e., that words, and not only their peripheral elements, carry emotive content. Ignoring these, empathies (temporary term), the manner in which expression is “understood” within a given culture, is partial, at best. Research is to be carried out both quantitatively, in field research, and qualitatively, by literary analysis. The many theoretical, as well as the practical, pitfalls of this suggestion are taken into consideration. The paper's appendices include a sample entry and a sample questionnaire.
I am indebted to the following persons: my friends and colleagues Haim Hazan, Haggai Hitron, Bo'az Keysar, David Kipper, Joel Kraemer, Michael Silverstein, Andrew Ortony, Amnon Tsehuvoi, my students Ghassan Abu Warda, Michal Beckenstein, Synthia Car'el, Shelly Gottfroind, Ariana Guttmann, Hani Hazzan, Fauzi Hazzan, Shalom Irland, Jamil Kattanah, Imad Mahajneh, Yo'av Meirav, Sharon Naveh, Radah Sa'd, Mahmud Sarsur, Samah Sheikh Yousuf, David Zohari, Wafa Zu'bi-Fahum, and the encouragement of Bernard Lewis.
1 I am indebted to the following persons: my friends and colleagues Haim Hazan, Haggai Hitron, Bo'az Keysar, David Kipper, Joel Kraemer, Michael Silverstein, Andrew Ortony, Amnon Tsehuvoi, my students Ghassan Abu Warda, Michal Beckenstein, Synthia Car'el, Shelly Gottfroind, Ariana Guttmann, Hani Hazzan, Fauzi Hazzan, Shalom Irland, Jamil Kattanah, Imad Mahajneh, Yo'av Meirav, Sharon Naveh, Radah Sa'd, Mahmud Sarsur, Samah Sheikh Yousuf, David Zohari, Wafa Zu'bi-Fahum, and the encouragement of Bernard Lewis.