Adaptation of The Arabian Nights: examining the modes of relation between texts and film

Abstract

The aim of this phenomenological study was to examine the adaptation of the Arabian Nights Stories and discover the effects of lowering adult-themed contents on literature delivered in two different mediums. Purposive sampling was used to choose fourteen (14) young adult participants who read and watched the selected stories from The Arabian Nights and were separated into two study groups: in-depth interview (IDI), and focus group discussion (FGD). The data acquired from respondents' responses was addressed by providing a full description of the process, conducting an in-depth interview and focus group discussion, and conducting an inquiry audit. Following a detailed thematic analysis, three types of relations were employed to find transferable aspects from the original text and The Arabian Nights film adaptations. On the perception of young adults towards modes of relations and transferrable elements between these two different mediums, five major themes were generated such as negativity of the story, language impact, hidden contexts, modification of the story, and practice of morality. On the insights of these young adults towards the idea of modes between the original text and the adapted film, four themes were established such as mind conditioning, guided viewers, reduced inappropriate content, and enhanced social portrayal. Finally, this study produced significant ramifications, valuable insights, and critical linked problems that demand further research.