INTERTEXTUAL FEATURES OF RELIGIONYMS IN LEILA ABOULELA‘S NOVEL "THE TRANSLATOR"

Abstract

This article examines the intertextual and linguo-poetic functions of religionyms in Leila
Aboulela‘s ―The Translator‖. The study distinguishes the religionym as a religiously marked nominative unit
from the intertextual relationship it may activate within a particular literary context. The findings show that
religionyms do more than identify religious concepts: they contribute to the representation of Sammar‘s
inner experience, religious identity, values, and perception of time and everyday life. The study argues that
religious intertextuality is an important element of Aboulela‘s linguo-poetic method, through which
established religious meanings become part of the characterization and representation of religious
consciousness.