Criticism and Evaluation of the Method of Selecting Equivalent Words, Phrases, and Idiomatic Expressions in the Translation of the Novel &quot; Floor 99&quot; by Jenny Fawaz Al-Hassan Based on the Conceptual Tools of Translation Studies

Salmanihaghighi, Masoud; Nouri Keyzoghani, Sayyed Mahdi; Ganjali, Abbas

doi:10.22054/rctall.2026.93625.1854

Criticism and Evaluation of the Method of Selecting Equivalent Words, Phrases, and Idiomatic Expressions in the Translation of the Novel " Floor 99" by Jenny Fawaz Al-Hassan Based on the Conceptual Tools of Translation Studies

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

masoud salmanihaghighi ¹

Sayyed mahdi Nouri keyzoghani ²

abbas ganjali ³

¹ Postdoctoral researcher in Arabic language and literature, Hakim Sabzevari University

² Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Hakim Sabzevari University

³ Hakim Sabzevari University. Department of Arabic Language and Literature.

10.22054/rctall.2026.93625.1854

Abstract

The methodology of equivalent selection for words, phrases, and idiomatic expressions in various texts—particularly fictional works—has long been fraught with challenges and complexities due to their intricate structures and demanding syntax. To facilitate a more accurate critique and assessment of translations at both lexical and sentential levels, various tools exist to assist translators and critics in conducting rigorous evaluations. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, this study examines the translation of Khajehzadeh’s proper nouns in Jenny Fawaz Al-Hassan’s novel " Floor 99". The evaluation is conducted through key conceptual tools of translation studies, including: Lexical Equivalence , Semantic Promotion, Semantic Degradation, Neutralization, Convergence and Divergence, Attenuation, Integration, Dislocation ,Componential Analysis, Classifier, Specifier or Modifier. The aim is to expand the horizons of literary translation and critique for translators and scholars, while partially systematizing the challenges associated with lexical and phrasal equivalence. The findings indicate that by utilizing relatively appropriate lexical equivalence techniques and amplification—incorporating functional, intelligible, and target-language-compliant vocabulary and structures—the translator has successfully depicted the context and theme of the story more vividly for the audience. Furthermore, the translator has reflected the semantic components of the source text within the linguistic framework of the target text, while adhering to the author’s intent and the core message.

Keywords

Translation criticism, equivalence selection, novel "

Floor 99"

, Fawaz al-Hassan, Khajehzadeh

Subjects