An Analysis of the Poems by Azzedine Mihoubi and Ahmad Shamlou from the perspective of Pierre Guiraud’s Theory of Semantic Functional Levels

Pierre Guiraud's theory of semantic functional levels is originated in Roman Jakobson's communication theory. The distinction lies in his interpretation of the six functions of language, which he views as a blend of semiology, aesthetics, logic, and sociology. This theory is meant to examine the texts, signs, codes, and their uses in both external and internal contexts. The current study, employing the analytical-comparative method and drawing upon the American school of linguistics, aims at investigating the poems of Azzedine Mihoubi and Ahmad Shamlou through the lens of Guiraud’s theory of semantic functional levels. As indicated by the results of this study, these levels are typically manifested in referential, emotive, aesthetic, injunctive, pathic, and metalinguistic functions in poems of these two poets. Points of similarity and difference, according to Guiraud’s theory of semantic levels, include the observation that emotive, literary, empathetic, and referential functions are more prevalent in their poems. However, distinct linguistic structures and diverse constructive and expressive forms are employed which signify the differences in their languages. Moreover, the referential function in their poems is exemplified through religious and historical characters. Considering their distinct religious backgrounds—one being Muslim and the other Christian—the manifestation of this function varies in their respective poems and the aesthetic function is exemplified in their poems through the concepts of prison and freedom. However, due to their distinct philosophies of life embedded in their subconscious, Shamlou perceives himself as a prisoner of fate and confined within the prison. Finally, the least frequently observed function in their poems is the metalinguistic function. 
Introduction:
Pierre Guiraud holds the idea that semiotics is the science devoted to the study of all cultural phenomena within semiotic systems. His theory can be considered a continuation of semiotic theory, focusing on the examination of texts, signs, codes, and their utilization in both internal and external contexts.
Guiraud has categorized codes into three groups: logical, aesthetic, and social. However, before delving into these codes, he examines two functional levels of a message: meaning and signification. Guiraud explores the two semantic functional levels of a message and two contrasting forms of signification. He contends that one of these two forms of signification is originated in logical and technical signs, while the other arises from the function of sensory and aesthetic signs. The function of a sign is to communicate or convey a thought through a message. This implies the presence of elements such as the means of communication, sender, and receiver. Roman Jakobson utilized a schema borrowed from communication theory to delineate six functions of language. According to Guiraud’s functional semiotic theory, Jakobson’s analysis is applicable to all forms of communication. This implies that he views referential and metalinguistic functions as components of logical semiotics, and attributes a dual linguistic function to the emotive function. If the function is objective, it falls within logical semiotics and in case it is sensory, it becomes part of aesthetic semiotics. Guiraud regards aesthetic and empathetic functions as aesthetic and social codes. Additionally, he posits that the issue of functions is linked to another phenomenon, namely the means of communication, the intermediary of the message, or, in modern terms, media. In the current research, the components of Guiraud’s functional semantic levels will be examined within the framework of the three poles (sender, text, receiver) in the poems of Azzedine Mihoubi and Ahmad Shamlou.
Method:
The American school of linguistics addresses emerging topics like semiotics and explores the connections between literature and various sciences, including social science. A fundamental tenet of this school is found to be the affinity between subject and literature. Contemporary American scholars have also asserted that comparative literature embodies a literature of difference in a broad sense. In light of these aspects, it can be argued that these two Algerian and Iranian poets were not influenced by each other in the creation of their poetic works. However, notwithstanding their political differences, there are similarities in the subject matters and contents of their poems, suggesting a shared spirit. Thus, a research method based on Guiraud’s functional semantic levels and the American school of linguistics is to be employed and as the result of which, the question of mutual influence becomes inconsequential.
Results and Discussion:
Considering the three poles of sender, text, and receiver, Guiraud’s functional semantic levels encompass the following functions.
Referential Function
The referential function serves as the bedrock of any communication, establishing the connections between the message and the subject it refers to. Guiraud holds the idea that the fundamental challenge lies in formulating authentic, objective, observable, and verifiable information. This is the goal of logical semiotics, encompassing epistemological codes and the codes of various sciences. Among these are codes designed to prevent any merging of the sign and the object and to impede the blending of the message and the encoded fact. This function conveys a meaning that is neither the sender's emotion nor the receiver's. Furthermore, it is not necessarily exquisite. All methodologies that offer content criticisms of artistic work lie under the realm of referential functions. This function is evident in the representation of religious and historical characters in the poems of these two poets.
Emotive Function
This function conveys the relationships between the message and the sender. When we utilize language or any other method of signification to initiate communication, we articulate ideas about the significance of the message's referent. However, we can also express our attitudes toward the subject, for example, by stating our view that the phenomenon is good or bad, ugly or beautiful. Nevertheless, it is important not to conflate the spontaneous manifestation of feelings, character, and social status—natural indicators—with their use for the purpose of communication. For Guiraud, the referential and emotive functions simultaneously complement and compete with each other in the realm of communication. This frequently gives rise to the dual function of language: an epistemological and objective function (logical coding) and an emotive, subjective function (aesthetic coding). These two functions involve two different types of encoding, with the latter arising from stylistic varieties and implicatures. This function is evident in the shared subjects of a dedication to friends and a reinterpretation of Christ’s character.
Injunctive Function
The major duty of this function is to determine the relationships between the message and the receiver, as the aim of every communication is to evoke a response from the receiver. According to Guiraud, an injunction can target either the cognition or the emotion of the receiver. Thus, at this level as well, we can discern objective-subjective and cognitive-emotive distinctions, highlighting the contrast between the referential and emotive functions. This function plays a vital role in advertisements and propagations, where the referential content of the message takes a back seat to signs intended to evoke emotions from the audience. This is achieved either through conditioning by repetition or by eliciting subconscious emotive responses. The use of this function is evident in the poems of these two poets, particularly in the context of patriotism.
Aesthetic Function
A notable example of the aesthetic function can be observed in works of art, where the referent of the message is the message itself. In this case, the message ceases to be merely a means of communication and becomes its own subject. According to Guiraud, art and literature generate subjects that, beyond the immediate signs related to the subject, possess their own significations within a specific semiotic system, such as the stylistic semiotic system, sign circulation, symbolism, and aesthetic semiology. This function is evidently employed in the works of these two poets concerning the use of religious symbols and the theme of freedom and imprisonment.
Pathic Function
The purpose of this function is to establish, maintain, or terminate relationships through aesthetic semiology. Signs with this function are those whose role is to initiate, sustain, or conclude relationships, ensuring their continuity, capturing the audience's attention, or guaranteeing their attention and vigilance. In Guiraud’s view, the pathic function plays a pivotal role in all forms of communication and relationships. Examples of this function are evident in the poems of Shamlou and Mihoubi through conversations or questions and answers.
Metalinguistic Function
The metalinguistic function aims to elucidate the meanings of signs that receivers may not understand. To achieve this, a word is enclosed in quotation marks or explained. For Guiraud, the selection of a medium pertains to the metalinguistic function. A work of art often refers back to the chosen codes, rather than the content of the message. Consequently, the metalinguistic function returns the sign to the codes from which the sign derived its meaning. This is how this function is evident in the poems of these two poets (the logic of the people of their respective homelands).
Conclusion:
Emotive, literary, pathic, and referential functions are the most frequently employed functions in the poems of Mihoubi and Shamlou, as these functions are well-suited to literary texts, aligning with various poetic forms. Furthermore, they bring out the best in poems that exhibit linguistic creativity and imaginative creation, as well as literary and poetic functions. In this regard, various instances from the works of these two poets have been encountered. The emotive function is evident in their poems through the interplay of objective and emotional functions, employing logical and aesthetic semiology, such as a rereading of the character of Christ and a letter to friends. Furthermore, owing to the alignment of poetic language with the poet's personal imagination and emotion, and the representation of the world from the unique poetic perspective of each poet, this function is prominent in the works of these two poets. However, they employ this function differently, which reflects their unique and even divergent perspectives on the surrounding world. The pathic function is also prominent in the poems composed by these two poets. Both employ imaginative codes, falling under aesthetic semiology, to express empathy with people in their poems, as seen in a hypothetical dialogue with a passerby in an alley in Palestinian neighborhoods. Given the intricate structure of contemporary poems, which interconnect various historical, cultural, and other intertextual elements, the referential function is also abundant in their poems. In this context, allusions to historical and religious figures serve as significant examples of the referential function of language. The reader's cognitive knowledge of these figures plays a crucial role in comprehending the hidden layers of this function in their poems. This function takes the form of logical semiology (epistemological coding), wherein readers' awareness and knowledge of these characters play a vital role in understanding the hidden layers of this function in the works of these two poets. It is essential to note that, for various reasons, including differences in the religious background of these two poets, those characters are manifested differently in their poems. Given Mihoubi's Christian faith, his depiction of Mary is as a symbol of alleviating pains and suffering, while Shamlou, with his Islamic background, is primarily focused on Mary's virginity. The least frequently used function is the metalinguistic function, as it primarily appears in dictionaries and books of terminology due to its characteristic of describing language with language. Consequently, it rarely appears in poems, including those of these two poets. This function is elucidated in the poetry of Mihoubi and Shamlou as reverse values encompassing people in society.