Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Reza Morad Sahraee
• Elham Khayatan

Allameh Tabataba’i University, Iran

Abstract

National Identity is the new, updated form of ethnic identity. It is a nascent concept, having emerged in the late 19th century, in contrast to ethnic identity, which is as old as myths. National identity is the foremost component of human identity, formed and preserved by the members of a large group. Nima Yushij, as a trendsetting poet possessing a distinct personal style, used a plethora of symbols and signs in his works, as he lived in an era filled with the strangulation of the human spirit. Nima’s true follower, Sohrab Sepehri did also emulate this style. Adopting a semiotic approach, the present paper addressed these two poets’ national identity elements, including names, titles, geographical locations, languages, (religious) festivals, dishes, clothing, beliefs, religions, and the luminaries in order to answer these questions: Which aspect of national identity was of the greatest importance for Nima and Sohrab? What steps did Nima and Sohrab take to strengthen the Iranian national identity?

Keywords

• Sohrab Sepehri
• Time
• Nima Yushij
• Space
• National Identity