Poe’s "Al-Aaraaf": A Critical Analysis of Culture-Bound Borrowing in Literary Diction

Abstract

 This paper examines Edgar Allan Poe’s unique use of literary borrowing in the title of his longest poem, "Al-Aaraaf," and critically analyzes the cultural and linguistic implications of employing a Culture-Bound Term (CBT) within a cross-cultural literary context. Utilizing Eugene Nida’s theory of Dynamic Equivalence and Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism, the study investigates whether Poe’s selection of "Al-Aaraaf"—a term derived directly from the Holy Quran—was motivated by phonetic appeal or religious significance. This lexical choice reflects an "Orientalist effect" where the author prioritizes exoticism over semantic fidelity. The study finds that Poe’s usage constitutes a fundamental departure from the term's theological origins, specifically by reimagining a Quranic space of divine judgment as an "amoral" celestial star. This research argues that cultural appropriation in literature should adhere to ethical translation standards, particularly regarding religiously sensitive CBTs. Ultimately, the paper highlights the ethical violations inherent in using borrowing as a decorative poetic device rather than a faithful translational bridge, calling for a standardized ethical framework in cross-cultural literary borrowing.