Strategic Analysis of Lexical Localization in Mohammad Hezbayeizadeh’s Translation of Sleep in the Cherry Orchard

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Student at Bu Ali Sina University

2 Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

10.22054/rctall.2025.88585.1811

Abstract

Localization is a powerful strategy in literary translation, aimed at aligning the translated text more closely with the target language and enhancing its impact on native readers. Among the renowned Iranian translators knownfor frequent use of localization is Mohammad Hezbayeizadeh. This study examines his translation of the Arabic novel Sleep in the Cherry Orchard, focusing on the central research question: In what forms does lexical localization manifest in this translation? Using a descriptive - analytical method and drawing on translation theories and the concept of semantic load, the authors identify and evaluate the techniques of lexical localization employed in the translated work. Through comparative analysis with the original text, four types of localization are identified: lexical localization, context–based localization, idiomatic localization, and localization errors. The findings suggest that when localization is guided by a deep understanding of the target language, contextual awareness, and sensitivity to semantic nuances, it can elevate translation beyond mere meaning transfer, transforming it into a rich literary and cultural experience. Such translations not only captivate readers but also immerse them in the text, enhancing the pleasure of reading.

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Translation Researches in the Arabic Language And Literature

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 30 December 2025

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