Acculturation as enlightenment the early origins of comparative studies and the background of binary opposition : self-other

Abstract EN

The research presents some of the early efforts that launched the discipline of comparative research in the Arab world which developed in the twentieth century into the broader concept of ‘acculturation’.

It presents the nationalist agenda of the pioneer researchers in reclaiming the Arab heritage manifesting its positive effects on world literature and initiating a new era of enlightenment during and after the period of decline and colonization.

The research presents this genre of studies as a suitable and credible arena for enhancing human understanding boosted by intellectual similarities rather than differences.