Alba Nabulsi's 'Lessico palestinese' Explores Language and Body in Palestinian Reality
In her book 'Lessico palestinese' (Le Plurali), Alba Nabulsi examines how language and physical experiences influence Palestinian existence through ten pivotal terms: narration, mutilation, veil, rape, identity, ethnic cleansing, urbicide, mental disorder, hunger, and maternity. The preface is penned by Francesca Albanese, accompanied by illustrations from Greta Bombardieri. Nabulsi contends that redefining colonization, apartheid, and genocide helps to break down dehumanizing narratives. She critiques the depiction of Palestinians as mere victims, citing Mohammed el Kurd's 'Perfect victims.' Additionally, Nabulsi explores the significance of the veil and connects reproductive restrictions and healthcare devastation to a systemic design that renders Palestinian life untenable. She underscores the necessity of amplifying Palestinian voices in Italy and the diaspora. Ginevra Barbetti conducted the interview for Artribune.
Key facts
- Alba Nabulsi authored 'Lessico palestinese', published by Le Plurali.
- The book uses ten keywords: narration, mutilation, veil, rape, identity, ethnic cleansing, urbicide, mental disorder, hunger, maternity.
- Preface by Francesca Albanese; illustrations by Greta Bombardieri.
- Nabulsi argues that language is a terrain of power; renaming reality makes asymmetries visible.
- She cites Mohammed el Kurd's 'Perfect victims' to critique victim-only framing of Palestinians.
- The veil's meaning changes by context, referencing Fanon; it can be resistance, imposition, or choice.
- Control dynamics include reproductive limitation, healthcare destruction, settlements, and genocidal practices.
- Hunger is described as a technology of violence that depoliticizes humanitarian language.
- Symbolic reconstruction transforms ruins into lived places; a tent can become home.
- Politicizing trauma means recognizing its structural nature; Gazan citizen journalism makes reality tangible.
- Nabulsi calls for listening to Palestinian voices in Italy and the diaspora—historians, academics, artists.
- Interview conducted by Ginevra Barbetti for Artribune.
Entities
Artists
- Alba Nabulsi
- Francesca Albanese
- Greta Bombardieri
- Mohammed el Kurd
- Fanon
- Ginevra Barbetti
Institutions
- Le Plurali
- Artribune
- ONU
- ONG
Locations
- Palestina
- Gaza
- Italia