Leaving/Staying

Leaving/Staying: A Vocabulary of Departure explores the rich and complex lexicon of Lebanese migration through twelve evocative colloquial words that embody the choices, tensions, and realities of staying or leaving. Developed by third-year Graphic Design students at the American University of Beirut under the guidance of artist Jana Traboulsi, this collaborative project transforms graphic design into a powerful tool for social and cultural analysis. 

From paspōr to qārib, each word is dissected, reimagined, and brought to life through visual storytelling, revealing the nuanced layers of migration experiences in Lebanon. The project weaves together words, images, and local narratives to examine the media’s role in shaping migration discourse. 

Combining creativity with critical thought, Leaving/Staying invites readers to explore how language—both visual and verbal—mediates the Lebanese migration experience, offering a fresh perspective on movement, identity, and resilience. 

Details

Language: English and Arabic
Publication Date: 2024
Number of Pages: 80
Book Dimensions: 14.8 x 21 cm
Cover Type: Paperback 
Shipping Weight: 0.5 kg
ISBN: 978-614-492-010-7