Found ations of Comparative Cultural Criticism in Arab Thought: Hafnawi Baali as a Model

Abstract

The book Introduction to the Theory of Comparative Cultural Criticism by Dr. Hafnawi Baali stands as one of the most prominent Arab attempts to articulate the concept of comparative cultural criticism within the framework of contemporary Arab literary studies. It is also among the earliest works authored in this field, requiring from its writer a measure of courage and intellectual risk-taking to venture into such terrain.

      At first glance, the reader may assume that this book lays the foundations of comparative cultural criticism, striving to establish a theory for it by clarifying its mechanisms, tools, methodology, and principles—especially since the Arab scholarly scene lacks bold contributions of this kind. Yet, the critical question remains: has Hafnawi Baali truly established an Arab theory of comparative cultural criticism? Has he delineated its boundaries? These and other questions are what this research paper seeks to address, with an emphasis on objectivity, in an attempt to lift the veil on this work.