"This article offers a preliminary and partial mapping of some cultural misconceptions inherent in the Israeli peace discourse," scientists in Jerusalem, Israel report.
"It focuses on one of the central mythic metaphors belonging to this discourse: ''We extend our hand in peace.'' First articulated in ''The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel'' (1948). After more than six decades of endless repetition in speeches made by Israeli political leaders, the metaphor has become a fertile arena for learning about Israel's cultural codes and cultural heritage relating to peace: While expressing the sincere will to make peace, use of the metaphor simultaneously demonstrates moral superiority, feelings of deprivation, latent threat, and recognition of its efficiency for creating a positive image abroad," wrote D. Gavrielynuri and colleagues.
The researchers concluded: "A discursive analysis of the metaphor reveals four barriers to the effective continuation of a peace process: Images of the Arab opponent, Israel's self-image, relationships between opponents in addition to the opponents' readiness to achieve peace."
Gavrielynuri and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Language and Politics (If both opponents ''extend hands in peace'' - Why don't they meet? Mythic metaphors and cultural codes in the Israeli peace discourse Journal of Language and Politics, 2010;9(3):449-468).
For additional information, contact D. Gavrielynuri, Hadassah College, Jerusalem, Israel.
The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Language and Politics is: John Benjamins Publishing Company, PO Box 36224, 1020 ME Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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