Translation in Arabic language and literature
Sobhan Kavosi
Abstract
AbstractThe translation of poetry, a particularly intricate domain of literary translation, consistently encounters the challenge of preserving the uniqueness and profundity of notions, as it seeks to convey the semantic nuances and aesthetic qualities of the source language into the target language. ...
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AbstractThe translation of poetry, a particularly intricate domain of literary translation, consistently encounters the challenge of preserving the uniqueness and profundity of notions, as it seeks to convey the semantic nuances and aesthetic qualities of the source language into the target language. Consequently, numerous hypotheses have arisen in this domain. Gideon Tori's idea of norms is a crucial framework in poetry translation, focusing on the translation process or the act of translation itself. Mohammad Nuruddin Abdul Moneim has translated numerous Persian poems into various languages, including the Arabic translations of the Gilani collection. The poetry in Gilani's book encompasses distinct emotional and cultural issues, necessitating meticulous care and attention in translation. This research focuses on the translation of the poem "Khaneh Wiran" by Golchin Gilani, aiming to meticulously analyze and assess the Arabic translation of cultural categories, metaphorical concepts, and the melodic structure inherent in Persian poetry. The research emphasizes adherence to original meanings, precision in translating cultural expressions, coherence, and tonal execution. Furthermore, it delineates strengths and shortcomings in the translation and offers recommendations to enhance the quality of analogous literary translations. The research indicates that Mohammad Nuruddin Abdul Moneim's Arabic translation effectively conveys the principal meanings and feelings of Persian poetry; nonetheless, there are instances requiring greater clarity in cultural interpretation and the use of suitable terms. Utilizing more exact terminology and descriptions can enhance clarity and effectively communicate the primary meanings.IntroductionTranslation significantly contributes to exchanges among many cultures and civilizations by effectively transmitting ideas and promoting cultural interchange. In the contemporary world, nations, alongside their indigenous knowledge, also pursue the accomplishments and literature of other nations. Since the mid-20th century, the increasing interest in Iranian studies within the Arab world has resulted in significant attention to contemporary Persian poetry, prompting the translation of numerous works by Persian poets into Arabic. These translations have familiarized Arab audiences with the techniques and themes of modern Persian poetry, thereby reinforcing the cultural connections between Persian and Arabic speakers. As a result, poets like Forough Farrokhzad, Sohrab Sepehri, Parvin E'tesami, Ahmad Shamlou, and Golchin Gilani have attained significant recognition among Arabic-speaking audiences.Nevertheless, poetry translation has distinct problems, as poetry consists of three fundamental elements: music, structure, and meaning, all of which are difficult to communicate accurately in the target language. In translating Persian poetry to Arabic and vice versa, the translator must balance authenticity to the original literary form with accessibility for the intended audience. Notable discrepancies in translators' methodologies make this difficulty evident in contemporary translations of Persian poetry into Arabic. Certain translations prioritize transmitting the basic message, neglecting creative features like metaphors and rhythm, whereas others strive to maintain the original style and structure while remaining true to the lyrical essence.Contemporary translation theories provide significant insights into comprehending translation obstacles, categorizing them, and suggesting effective strategies to mitigate these issues (Mahdipur, 2009: 15). Gideon Toury's Norm Theory, a fundamental framework in literary translation analysis, is based on Itamar Even-Zohar’s notion of “polysystems” and James Holmes’ “descriptive approach.” Gideon Toury initially presented his idea in 1980 in the book In Search of an Idea of Translation and subsequently revised it in 1995 in Descriptive Translation Studies and Beyond. This theory conceptualizes translation as a cultural process, highlighting the disparities in languages and textual traditions, in contrast to theories that prioritize total equivalence in translation (Gentzler, 2014: 63).Literature ReviewThe preliminary endeavors to present Persian literature to the Arab world commenced in the early 20th century. Wadia Bin Faris Al-Bustani was the inaugural translator of Omar Khayyam's quatrains from English to Arabic, succeeded by Ahmad Rami, who translated them directly from Persian to Arabic, publishing his translation in 1924. Subsequently, Abdul Wahhab Azzam, a professor at an Egyptian institution, rewrote and reintroduced Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh—initially translated by Abu al-Fath al-Bandari in the 13th century—with a preface titled Al-Shahnameh: The Great Epic of the Persians. These initiatives markedly heightened the interest of the Egyptian and Arab literary communities in Persian literature (See: Kazemi Najaf Abadi & Rahimi Khoygani, 2017: pages. 121; Jamal al-Din, 2008: p. 131).The subsequent studies have examined this domain:The Utilization of Gideon Toury’s Norm Theory in the Qualitative Evaluation of the Arabic Translation of Fereydoon Moshiri’s Poems, by Afzali, Ali, and Madani, Akram (Journal: Comparative Studies in Persian and Arabic). This study analyzes portions of Fereydoon Moshiri’s poetry as translated into Arabic in the book Mukhtarat Min al-Shi’r al-Farsi al-Hadith by Mohammad Nour El-Din Abdul-Moneim. This analysis employs descriptive, process-oriented translation studies based on Gideon Toury’s Norm Theory.Analysis of the Arabic Translation of Sohrab Sepehri’s Poetry According to Gideon Toury’s Norm Theory, by Afzali, Ali, and Madani, Akram (Journal: The Iranian Association of Arabic Language and Literature). This study examines segments of Sohrab Sepehri’s poetry as translated in the book Mukhtarat Min al-Shi’r al-Farsi al-Hadith by Mohammad Nour El-Din Abdul-Moneim, utilizing Gideon Toury’s Norm Theory and a descriptive, process-oriented approach to translation studies.Evaluation of Shuarabi’s Poetic Translation of Hafez’s First and Third Ghazals According to Gideon Toury’s Framework, by Abbaszadeh, Fazel (Journal: Critique, Analysis, and Aesthetics of Texts). This study analyzes Amin Al-Shuarabi’s poetic translation of Hafez’s first (Alā Yā Ayyuhā Sāqī...) and third (Agar Ān Turk-e Shirāzī...) ghazals through the lens of Toury’s target-oriented approach.A Semantic Analysis of Conceptual Metaphors in the Poetry of Khalil Mutran and Golchin Gilani, by Sadeghi et al. (Journal: Comparative Literature Studies). This study examines conceptual metaphors (orientational, structural, and ontological) in the poetry of Khalil Mutran and Golchin Gilani to assess their prevalence and the poets' inclination in utilizing these images.Comprehensive Examination of Emotions and Themes in Golchin Gilani's Poetry: An Analysis by Hasanabadi, Mahmoud, and Sajjadi, Zahra (Journal: Research Journal of Lyric Literature). This descriptive study offers a concise biography of Golchin Gilani and analyzes themes and emotions in his poetry, including love, sadness, hope, despair, memories, homeland, fate, life and death, and the enigma of existence, accompanied by examples.The article "The Efforts of Mohammad Nour El-Din Abdul-Moneim in Promoting Persian Language and Literature in Egypt" by Behrouz Ghorban Zadeh (2016) separately analyzes Abdul-Moneim's contributions to the promotion of Persian in the Arab world, especially in Egypt.An examination of current research on the translation of modern Persian poetry into Arabic indicates that there is a lack of books, articles, or independent studies focusing on the qualitative analysis of Golchin Gilani’s poetry translation into Arabic via the lens of Gideon Toury’s Norm Theory.Research MethodologyThis research uses a descriptive, analytical, and comparative approach based on Gideon Toury's Norm Theory to look at the Arabic translation of some poems by Golchin Gilani that can be found in the book Mukhtarat Min al-Shi'r al-Farsi al-Hadith (Selections from Modern Persian Poetry). The study aims to investigate the musical, cultural, and metaphorical aspects of the translator's work, along with the degree of faithfulness, cultural precision, and effective conveyance of tone and coherence in the translation. The objective is to ascertain the strengths and flaws of these translations and offer ideas for enhancing the quality of analogous translations.ConclusionAbdul-Moneim’s Arabic translation effectively communicates the essential concepts and descriptions of the original Persian text. Nonetheless, there exists potential for enhancement in the use of terminology and descriptive phrases. Enhancing integrity to the original text and its emotional depth can be achieved by focusing on exact descriptions, logical linkages, and appropriate word choices.The translator has achieved an accurate translation that aligns with the source text through meticulous linguistic and structural choices. However, slight modifications in syntax and diction could significantly enhance the tone, style, and artistic effect of the original work. The significance of cultural disparities in translation has been emphasized, as the translator has sought to faithfully convey metaphors and implicit meanings from Persian to Arabic. Nonetheless, cultural and emotional subtleties are occasionally overlooked in direct translations, impacting the reader's perspective and emotional involvement.The translator has concentrated on the symbolic imagery and its representation in the target language, making selections that occasionally lead to minor alterations in tone, rhythm, and emotional expression. Abdul-Moneim has adeptly encapsulated the fundamental meanings and emotions of the Persian text, effectively conveying the character's shock and bewilderment. His translation conforms closely to the fundamental and essential standards of translation.Utilizing more detailed descriptions to highlight the character's inner emotions and the poet's reflections may have yielded an exemplary translation. This may have been accomplished by incorporating supplementary phrases to improve clarity and more effectively communicate the original meanings.Another feature of Newmark's theory applicable to the analysis of this translation is the notion of "modified literal translation." This perspective posits that the translator may employ a translation method that adheres closely to the linguistic structures of the source text while implementing slight modifications to maintain fluency and meaning. This strategy may facilitate a more precise conveyance of the concepts and emotions inherent in the original text. It would have been especially helpful in areas where the Persian structure presented difficulties in translation into Arabic, facilitating a balance between preserving the authenticity of the source text and adapting to the target language.
Translation in Arabic language and literature
Zahra Khafaje Karimoy; Hossein Shamsabadi; Seyed Mehdi Nouri Keyzoghani
Abstract
In our interconnected global society, the ability to communicate effectively across many languages is of utmost importance. Nevertheless, the process of translating writings in several languages frequently presents obstacles that hinder the precise alignment of specific thoughts or expressions. The reciprocal ...
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In our interconnected global society, the ability to communicate effectively across many languages is of utmost importance. Nevertheless, the process of translating writings in several languages frequently presents obstacles that hinder the precise alignment of specific thoughts or expressions. The reciprocal relationship between culture and language elucidates the reason why, throughout the act of translation, we invariably encounter both the cultural context and the original language. In this scenario, the translator, acting as a cultural middleman, should align the source culture with the language. Thenovel "Al-Nazzara al-Sauda" by Ihsan Abdel Quddous was chosen for analysis to determine the translatability of its linguistic and cultural words and phrases. This examination was conducted in a descriptive-analytical manner. Upon careful examination of the expressions, we have discovered numerous instances in both the realms of linguistics and culture that defy translation. The translator is thus faced with the task of rendering words and sentences in a manner that aligns with the language and culture of the source (Persian) while remaining comprehensible to the intended audience. Consequently, the translator has predominantly relied on the "role equivalent" method to translate parts that cannot be translated directly.Keywords: Literary Translation, The Concept of Untranslatability, The Process of Equalization, Al-Nazzara al-Sauda, Ihsan Abdel Quddous.Introduction"Al-Nazzara al-Sauda" is a renowned work that explores the intricate themes of love, identity, and self-awareness. This narrative offers a profound understanding of the human condition within a conventional Middle Eastern society. Ihsan Abdel Quddous has adeptly employed linguistic tricks, cultural allusions, and poetic metaphors to convey the intricate elements of the text, although these pose difficulties when it comes to translation. Hence, the writers were motivated to explore the concept of untranslatability in the current novel due to the imperative of comprehending the intricacies and subtleties of language, culture, and translation, as well as devising strategies to overcome language barriers and enhance intercultural communication. Literature ReviewAn extensive study has been conducted on the topic of translation studies, specifically focusing on the untranslatability of literary texts. In the following, we will highlight a few notable studies on this subject.Mohammad Reza Shafiei Kadkani wrote the 2013 essay "On the Untranslatability of Poetry," which is a source for other papers with the same title."The Inability to Translate Scientific Theories Using Different Terminology" (2017) the author of this essay is Mohammad Mahdi Hatef. This article presents a clear definition of translation words and addresses the issues raised by critics. Fatemeh Rakei's article, titled "Reflection on the Aspects of Translation (un)acceptability of Contemporary Persian Poetry" (1400), explores the translatability and translation of contemporary Persian poetry into English. The article aims to investigate this specific aspect of translation in this field. The results collected demonstrate that certain elements, such as content and expressive innovations, metaphors, symbols, and cultural and societal issues, can be effectively translated. However, aspects such as weight, rhyme, pun, and meaning are found to be untranslatable.Another work by Nosrat Hijazi and Rouya Shirin is "Translatability and Acceptability of Cultural Elements in Audio-Visual Texts: A Case Study of French Subtitles of the Iranian Television Series Der Cheshm Bad" (2019). This article examines the process of transferring and translating cultural aspects into audiovisual texts using subtitles.Alireza Nazari, Fatemeh Ferozan Qalabin, and Muhaddezah Samiiwrote the article "Analysis of the Role of Linguistic Factors in the Untranslatability of the Text of the Qur'an (a Comparative Study of Verses from Surah Yusuf in Four Famous Translations of the Qur'an)" (2014).In this article, the authors focus on the specific role of linguistic factors in the verses of Surah Yusuf and subsequently analyze these factors in four well-known contemporary translations of the Qur'an.The paper titled "Difficulty of Translatability of Kitab al-Mubin as a Literary Work" was authored by Abolfazl Hari in 1386. This essay analyzes the Qur'an as a piece of literature and concludes that while its rhetorical and linguistic intricacies are not entirely impossible to translate, they are indeed challenging to translate.Based on the authors' thorough investigations, no previous independent research has been conducted specifically on the issue of untranslatability in Ihsan Abdel Quddous’ novel "Al-Nazzara al-Sauda." Consequently, the writers have chosen to introduce a novel contribution.Research MethodologyLiterary translation is considered the most aesthetically pleasing form of translation. This is as a result of the translator carefully choosing the most appropriate and harmonious language in accordance with their literary preferences. The presence of various verbal and spiritual arrangements is clearly apparent in literary translation (Marouf, 1384:17).Linguistics and societal customs: When considering the connection between language and culture, it may be argued that language serves as an integrated system that represents and propels culture. According to this, all text elements might have a cultural aspect since language is inherently connected to culture as a distinct and autonomous entity (Hijazi and Shirin, 2019: 71).Intranslatability: The presence of linguistic diversity can provide obstacles to the process of translation, particularly when it involves words, phrases, or cultural nuances that are difficult to effectively convey. An obstacle that might hinder accurate communication is untranslatability, as it directly affects the interpretation of the message. Several theorists have discussed the concept of untranslatability in the process of translation, and each of them has put forth ways for achieving accurate translation. Hermans and Santos argue that untranslatability encompasses both the linguistic structure and the interplay between language and culture. They propose a division of untranslatability into two categories: "linguistic untranslatability" and "cultural untranslatability" (Hermans, 2019: 602; Santos, 21:2006).David Harvey, a different scholar, has put out four approaches for rendering features that cannot be translated:Equivalent role (functional) 2: A visual representation of the same meaning in language 3- Loaning 4: Translation that provides an explanation and description of the text (Khairkhah and Sajjudi, 2013:24).ConclusionThis research has served as a paradigm and a reference to prevent the occurrence of untranslatability, aligning with one of David Harvey's proposed solutions. Consequently, based on the categorization and detailed analytical examination of the excerpts extracted from the novel, it can be concluded that translators are obligated to offer a recommended translation that is compatible with the linguistic structure. In the majority of instances, Farsi employs the approach of role or function to convey desirable linguistic and cultural concepts to the reader. However, it also utilizes other techniques, such as descriptive translation, to achieve the same objective effectively.
Translation in Arabic language and literature
Arezu Pooryazdanpanah Kermani
Abstract
The Garces model is a significant theory in the field of linguistics that focuses on the qualitative examination of translated literary works to assess the quality of translations. This approach assesses translations according to two criteria: acceptability and appropriateness. It evaluates positive ...
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The Garces model is a significant theory in the field of linguistics that focuses on the qualitative examination of translated literary works to assess the quality of translations. This approach assesses translations according to two criteria: acceptability and appropriateness. It evaluates positive and negative attributes at four different levels. The initial level of this theory focuses on analyzing the components associated with vocabulary and the transmission of meaning via language. The second level involves the analysis of syntactic and morphological components, while the third and fourth levels focus on evaluating discourse and text style. Farīd ud-Dīn ʿAṭṭār of Nishapur’s Mantiq Al-Tair is highly esteemed Persian mystical poetry that has been translated into other languages. Currently, Dr. Badi’ MohammadJomeh’s translation, which he conducted at Ain Shams University, is the most thorough of these translations. Furthermore, Mohammad Jomeh’s original translation of Mantiq Al-Tair by Attar has been praised for its self-worth in conveying the logic and invaluable ideas of the author to the Arab world. The translation is particularly notable for its precision, conciseness, eloquence, and literary highlights. As a result, it has been subjected to examination and evaluation using the Garces model and its four levels. The research findings suggest that the translator has faithfully followed the source language in the mentioned translation. Furthermore, the translation demonstrates greater acceptability and adequacy in terms of lexical and syntactic-morphological meaning compared to the other two levels. The translator's proficiency is particularly evident at these two levels. He has employed a greater number of constructive methods. However, the translation being examined has prominently featured negative tactics at two levels of discourse: functional and stylistic-semantic. This might be attributed to the choice of content for translation, specifically mystical systems. Despite incorporating culturally similar parts, the elevation of Badi’ Mohammad Jomeh’s translation can be attributed to lexical expansion, compensation, and changes in syntax and structure.Keywords: Translation Criticism, Literary translation, Mantiq Al-Tair, ʿAṭṭār of Nishapur, Badi’ Mohammad Jomeh, Carmen Garces.IntroductionMantiq Al-Tair is a highly significant oriental text that has beentranslated into various languages. Dr. Badi’ Mohammad Jomeh, anesteemed professor specializing in oriental studies at Ain ShamsUniversity, has successfully rendered a full translation of this work into the Arabic language. Evaluating the translation is vital to ensuring its accuracy, utilizing various translation principles and approaches. Translation criticism serves as a crucial connection between translation theory and translation practice. Garces's theory is a significant destination-oriented theory that consists of four stages. Due to its complete nature, it can serve as an effective model for assessing the quality of translations, particularly in the context of literary translated works, in terms of their acceptability and adequacy. This essay aims to assess the Arabic translation of Mantiq Al-Tair by Badi’ Mohammad Jomeh using Garces' methodology, employing an analytical-descriptive approach.Literature ReviewSome significant research has been conducted in the field of translation criticism, specifically regarding the translation of Mantiq Al-Tair and the application of the Garces model. Notable articles include "Mantiq Al-Tair of Attar in Lebanon (criticism on the research and translation of the Arabic Mantiq Al-Tair)" (1383) by Nik Manesh, "Criticism and review of the Persian translation of the novel Qalb al-Lil with the title Del Shab based on the model of Garces" (1396) by Ali Sayadani et al., "Lexual criticism of the translation of Sheikh Abdulhaq Mohadath Dehlavi from Fatuh al-Ghayb based on the semantic level - Garces Lexicon" (1400) by Bidkhoni and AghHosseini, "Hermeneutic view of the French translation of somemystical words of Al- Mantiq Al-Tair based on the opinions of Umberto Eco" (1400) by Moghaddam and Akrami Fard company, and "Study in Translation Al-Arabiya for the Mantiq Al-Tair" (2006) by Nadi Hassoun.It is evident that the Arabic translation of Mantiq Al-Tair has not been systematically and critically evaluated using translation criticism theories. Furthermore, the studies based on Garces theory are restricted to the translation of novels and fictional works, and despite the potential of Garces theory to assess the translation of poetic texts, no research has been conducted thus far to critique and evaluate text translations using this theory. Therefore, it is imperative to elucidate the acceptability and sufficiency of the planned translation by listing the favorable and unfavorable characteristics.Research MethodologyGarces theory is a comprehensive model used to assess literary writings. It goes beyond just the translation of words and phrases and takes into account four different levels. The Garces model is widely regarded as a prominent model for evaluating the translation of literary texts. The increasing adoption of this approach by scholars in recent years demonstrates its favorable standing among translation critics. This paradigm operates on the notion of parity between the source and destination texts. According to Garces, the source text and the translation should aim for maximum equivalence on all four levels. The four layers are: semantic-lexical, syntactic-morphological, discourse-role, and stylistic-intentional.ConclusionMantiq Al-Tair is a significant spiritual poem in Persian poetry and literature that has been translated into other languages. This essay critically evaluates the Arabic translation of . Badi’ Mohammad Jomeh’s Mantiq Al-Tair, using the Garces model as a framework for analysis. Upon evaluating this translation using the four levels of the Garces model, it was concluded that the translation being examined is in the original language. Out of the four levels in the Garces model, this translation demonstrates a higher level of conformity with the semantic-lexical level compared to the other three levels. The subgroups that have emerged in this translation at this level include assimilation, lexical expansion, lexical account, general and specific, definition and explanation, cultural equivalent, and syntactic expansion. At this stage, the translator has employed constructive methods with the exception of one instance (lexical explanation). Out of the subcategories stated, lexical expansion and lexical account are more frequent in this translation.The translation examines modifications in syntax or structure, alterations in viewpoint, compensation, implications, and the elimination of subsets at the syntactic-morphological level. Among these modifications, the change of syntax or structure is particularly prominent in this translation. In addition to implication and omission, which are negative strategies at this level, the translator has employed positive techniques. All subcategories within the two levels of discourse—functional and stylistic-semantic—are seen asnegative strategies. The most common ones are the translator's mistake and changing the function of rhetorical devices.
Fateme Akbarizade; Yosra Shadman
Abstract
The play is a special literary type which has features a literary text and special dramatic features that will only be complete on the scene. Shahrzad's play, the Tawfiq al-Hakim plays written with a philosophical theme. This play has been translated twice in Persian by Shariat and Ayati. The translation ...
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The play is a special literary type which has features a literary text and special dramatic features that will only be complete on the scene. Shahrzad's play, the Tawfiq al-Hakim plays written with a philosophical theme. This play has been translated twice in Persian by Shariat and Ayati. The translation of the play is difficult task and its dramatic character must also be translated. This paper attempts to use a descriptive-analytical method, to examine two translations for stylistics and dramatic elements to check out the problems of the translation of the play. The results show that both translations have been tried to translate the language of the source language into the target language. But because of the translation of dramatic elements, the translation of the Shariat has been more successful. Because he translates tone and dialogue well and he tried to make the Dialogues fit the characters of the show.
Iysa Motaghizadeh; Seyyed Ala Naghizadeh
Abstract
Translation evaluation is one of the methods of criticism that is used to determine the quality level of translated texts. Usually, after the texts have been translated, the editors are evaluating the translated texts. Therefore, the translator of translated texts must have sufficient control in both ...
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Translation evaluation is one of the methods of criticism that is used to determine the quality level of translated texts. Usually, after the texts have been translated, the editors are evaluating the translated texts. Therefore, the translator of translated texts must have sufficient control in both the source and the target languages so that in addition to editing the target text being able to evaluate it in terms of equivalence. In this research, we are trying to find out, based on the model of the evaluation of the translation of Mrs. Carmen Garces which is designed to assess the translation of literary texts in four levels (lexical, grammatical, discourse, and stylistic) using descriptive and analytical method; we will assess Arabic translation of the message of the leader of the revolution to the pilgrims of Hajj. One of the findings of this paper is that cultural differences between Farsi and Arabic languages and finding appropriate synonyms at vocabulary, and grammatical level based on these differences represent one of the most important challenges in the translation process. Similarly, examples such as adaptation, equivalents, an extension of vocabulary in the target language and using proper and general vocabulary, susceptibility from colloquial language are among most important challenges in this context.
