The Cultural Context of American Literature: A Barrier or a Bridge to Understanding?
Keywords:
American literature, Arab students, cultural contexts, Orientalism, Edward SaidAbstract
This article examines the challenges faced by Arab students studying American literature. It argues that cultural, historical, political, and religious contexts shape their engagement with the subject. While some students approach American literature academically, many experience tension due to its cultural distance and implications for their own identities. The study traces Western perceptions of the Arab world from historical encounters to modern conflicts, drawing on Edward Said’s theories. It demonstrates how mutual misunderstandings complicate educational processes and highlights the difficulty of bridging cultural divides through literature.
(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)
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