The Pragmatics of Language and the Argumentative Function of Symbolism in Spewing Sparks by Abdo Khal

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between linguistic pragmatics and symbolic argumentation in Abdo Khal’s award-winning novel Spewing Sparks. Using pragmatic argumentation as its principal analytical framework, the research examines how language and symbolism interact to construct persuasive narrative discourse and engage readers in critical reflection on social reality. The novel employs a variety of rhetorical strategies -including contrast, opposition, dialogue, and strategic silence- to expose hidden structures of power, challenge social hierarchies, and critique the privileged classes that exercise authority through wealth and influence. Organized into two analytical sections, the study first investigates the pragmatic dimensions of language before examining the argumentative role of symbolism in shaping the narrative. The findings reveal that argumentation constitutes the structural foundation of the novel, generating conflict at both the macro level of the narrative and the internal psychological level of its characters. Through its symbolic discourse, the novel transforms readers into active participants in the interpretive process rather than passive recipients of events. The study concludes that the integration of pragmatic language and symbolic argumentation significantly enhances the novel’s persuasive power, enabling it to address complex social and ethical issues through a multilayered narrative strategy.