ABOUT DAL

DAL (Database of Arabic Literature in English Studies), published by OxLit, Is non-

profit-making and open source, with no advertisements or subscriptions, for stu

dents and researchers who are bored of these intrusive tools of the internet. This database provides easy access to a content-rich bibliographical resource for searching books, articles, chapters of books and reviews about Arabic literature in English studies. It covers the period from the 18th Century, when the movement of translation and commentary of Arabic literary texts first began in English, until the present, and is  particularly rich in material about poetry dating from the pre-Islamic period to the modern.

A unique feature of DAL is the detailed subject headings which contain information about translated poems, key terms and genres of Arabic literature and poetics, as well as biographical information of authors. As such, It provides an essential tool for graduates and undergraduates, as well as the general reader. Its specialised focus means that students and researchers seeking information on this subject have targeted results from their searches and avoid having to select amongst a vast number of records retrieved from standard catalogue searches. 

At the heart of DAL is a commitment to foster a deep engagement with the Arabic literary texts of Poetry, Prose and Criticism. We create and present authoritative bibliographic entries, critical editions, and contextual information that shed light on the intellectual, cultural, and historical dimensions of Arabic literature. Our platform is designed to support both introductory learners and advanced researchers by offering structured access to key texts, authors, genres, and themes that have shaped the Arabic literary tradition.

We believe that Arabic literature is not only a repository of aesthetic and linguistic excellence but also a vital record of the imaginative currents that have stimulated the Arabic social, thoughtful, and philosophical aspects of Arabic realistic life. Through DAL, we aim to bridge the gap between Arabic literary texts and contemporary readers in the west by providing tools that enhance understanding, encourage critical inquiry, and inspire further study.