Acknowledgments

A number of people have been instrumental in bringing this book to the publication stage, and without their help and support this would not have been possible. First, I would like to thank Kees Vaes, my editor, and the John Benjamins team for their thoughtful remarks, patience, and guidance throughout the different stages of the book. My thanks also go to the anonymous reviewers who provided very constructive feedback on an early draft of the manuscript. My appreciation is extended to Nourhan Sorour, my research assistant, for her superb organization skills, professionalism, and meticulous observations during the manuscript preparation.

I would also like to thank the following colleagues who provided extensive and thorough feedback on the different chapters (in alphabetical order): Faten Abdelhamid, Amira Agameya, Mansour Al-Surmi, David Byrd, Allen Clark, Christine Coombe, James Dickins, Ola Hafez, Sahbi Hidri, Summer Loomis, Irshat Madyarov, Mustafa Mughazy, Anne Nebel, Lynne Ronesi, Irene Theodoropoulou, and Keith Walters.

Special thanks go to Micheline Chalhoub-Deville, James Dickins, and Keith Walters for writing the endorsement quotes for this volume. Their kind words and encouraging remarks have touched my heart.

I am truly indebted to my wife, Amal, and my daughter, Razan, who have always been there when support and encouragement are needed. Words cannot express my gratitude for being such a wonderful company during my research journey.

I would like to thank Amira Agameya, Reem Bassiouney, and Marilyn Plumlee, my colleagues at the American University in Cairo, for the rich discussions and feedback they have provided me with during the writing of this book and other publications throughout the years.

I cannot find words to express gratitude and appreciation to the different contributors to this project for their perseverance and patience during the writing of the book in spite of the many rounds of reviews. Finally I would like to thank Rasha Soliman for proofreading the final draft and for her very useful remarks.

I beg forgiveness of all colleagues and friends who might have helped in any way during the preparation of the book whose names I unintentionally failed to mention.