The Power of Context Arabic Vocabulary, Cultural Equivalents, and the Art of Translation (A Case Study Translating the First Verse of the Holy Quran) | ||||
| المجلة العلمیة لکلیة الآداب-جامعة أسیوط | ||||
| Article 27, Volume 31, Issue 91, July 2024, Page 1651-1666 PDF (898.88 K) | ||||
| Document Type: بحوث علمية محکمة | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/aakj.2024.276413.1704 | ||||
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| Author | ||||
Hesham Sayed Abdelnasser 
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| Lecturer of English Language Department Humanities - Deraya University Minia - Egypt. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Accurate translation hinges on understanding the interplay between language and culture. This paper explores this concept through a case study: translating the first verse of the Quran (Al-Basmallah). While seemingly simple grammatically, the verse presents significant challenges due to the depth of cultural and religious context embedded within its Arabic vocabulary. The analysis delves into specific key words, such as "Ar-Rahman" and "Ar-Rahim," unpacking their cultural significance and the nuances of divine mercy in Islam. Examining literal translations exposes their limitations in capturing the full weight of these concepts. The paper then proposes culturally equivalent terms in English, highlighting how they better convey the intended meaning within the Islamic framework. Further enriching the analysis, the paper compares existing translations by reputable scholars. By dissecting their approaches to the key words, the study reveals the ongoing quest for capturing the essence of the Quran in English. The concluding remarks emphasize the critical role of context and cultural understanding for translating not only the Quran, but any religiously or culturally significant text. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Context; Cultural Equivalents; Arabic Vocabulary; Translation Challenges; Divine Mercy | ||||
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