Translation is a multifaceted process that goes beyond language conversion; it involves understanding the cultural context of both the source and target languages. This paper aims to highlight the importance of cultural awareness in translation, particularly in the context of English and Arabic. It begins by acknowledging the strong link between language and culture, emphasizing that effective translation requires grasping cultural nuances alongside linguistic elements.
The paper explores how cultural dimensions influence the translation process, recognizing the challenges posed by differences in social norms, historical references, and societal values between English and Arabic. It stresses the need for translators to not only be proficient in both languages but also possess a deep understanding of the respective cultures.
Through a review of relevant literature, the paper aims to shed light on strategies for translating culturally bound expressions, terms, and idioms. It suggests two main approaches: domestication and foreignization.
By emphasizing the significance of cultural awareness, this paper aims to provide translators with the necessary tools to navigate cultural differences and facilitate accurate communication across languages.
Table of Contents
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Brief summary of existing literature
3. Hypothesis and the objectives
3.1.1 Language and culture connection
3.1.2 Culture dimension in translation
3.1.3 Specific cultural context of English and Arabic
4. Methodology
4.1 Translation methods of culturally bound terms and idioms
5. How the research will be communicated to a wider community
6. The supervisory provision as well as specialist and transferable skills training
7. Ethical considerations
8. Summary and conclusions
Executive Summary
This paper’s aim is to raise the awareness of importance of knowledge of both source and target culture for adequate translation of texts, speeches or conversations. At first, paper establish language-culture connection besides traditional language-language connection. Then, it describes cultural dimension of the whole modern translation process. Finally, it states the specific cultural setting of both English and Arabic, when translation is concerned. The objectives of the study are met through theoretical analysis method of relevant literary works on the subject. At the end, two possible methods for translation of culturally bound expressions, terms and idioms were suggested, domestication and foreignization.
The Importance of Cultural Awareness in English and Arabic as a challenge for Translation Process
1. Introduction
Translation is the process during which texts are being rendered from one language into another both pragmatically, culturally and semantically. Crumbling stone during this process sometimes could be those terms, which are culturally bound. Getting to know culture of these languages through its institutions, terms and abbreviations, comes as an important aspect of the whole process. Cultural gaps between English and Arabic impose difficulties in rendering one language into another. Such cultural gaps are represented in differences in situations, concepts, ideas and behaviors between the source language (SL) and the target language (TL) communities (Qassem, 2014). They often include specific references to historical places and important people. For a translator it is of equal importance to be bicultural as well as bilingual. The purpose of this paper is to raise the importance of knowledge of both English and Arabic culture for proper translation process. Also, it states the main approaches when it comes to translation of culturally bound idioms and expressions.
2. Brief summary of existing literature
Existing literature on translation from English to Arabic and vice versa, with respect to both cultures, is not large. Qassem and Vijayasarathi (2015) tried to fill in the gap through addressing the difficulties of culturally bound idioms in both languages. However, their study focuses only on English-Arabic translation and not vice versa.
Other studies, like the one by Aldahi, Davis and Fernandez-Parra (2017) raised the awareness of importance of cultural dimension of translation, meaning that it is bicultural, as well as bilingual process. Accent of the study is on culture bound items equal to the knowledge of both English and Arabic. First one is re-accessed through cultural competence in translation test, developed by the authors.
Similar study by Almubark (2017) revealed difficulties of student translators when facing culture related expressions. Study proved that inadequate knowledge about target culture placed translators in difficult position. The author suggested training provided to translators, where they would be exposed to real cases of culture related idioms, expressions and concepts.
Dweik (2018) shows on the sample of 20 University English major students, the importance of having cultural knowledge, before taking a demanding task of translation of one language into another. The text used was full of culturally related idioms and expressions. Besides those, significant attention was given to translation of metaphors, which also require certain knowledge about target culture and language.
Abidalkane (2015) shows that the difficulties translators had in translating conversational implicature were not just of linguistic origin, but also of socio and cultural origin. These problems were solved following two approaches for the purpose of getting final text in Arabic, which is equivalent to the original. First one was that of Skopos, which determines the purpose of the translation, while the second one was that of Grice’s where participants cooperate in order to achieve functional translation.
All these studies raised concerns about insufficient knowledge of target cultures by the sampled translators. This study continues from there and does re-affirmation of cultural dimension of translation. My concern would be to, first, establish language and culture connection, then to address specific cultural context of English and Arabic and in doing so to contribute to existing body of work on the subject.
3. Hypothesis and the objectives
The hypothesis of this paper is that the process of translation is cultural as much as it is linguistic. On the following pages I will address that language-culture relation, as well as specific cultural context of both English and Arabic. On the chosen sets of studies, I will show the relevance of this assumption.
3.1.1 Language and culture connection
Language is used to send meaningful messages and culture defines what comes under this category. They are certainly bound together as cultures are learned largely through languages rather than inherited biologically or genetically (Sheikh, 2014). Therefore, process of learning new language includes learning about the new culture, as well. Its three pillars or cornerstones include language, culture and communication. Language is used to send messages between people who share certain cultural values and since communication and culture are inseparable, the three create a triangle. Cross-cultural communication wouldn’t be possible without the whole translation process, even in the era of globalization. Since the linguistic diversity of the world creates barriers, translation plays a key role as “a builder of bridges” which enables people to “go beyond the borders of their world” (Al-Rushaidi & Ali, 2017). The differences between cultures must be in mind of the translator for accurate translation of the texts.
3.1.2 Culture dimension in translation
Translation as a process can help and certainly it did in the past in gaining our knowledge about the world that surrounds us. In modern age, translator has the role of intercultural mediator, whose significance for the spreading of certain culture is highly valuable. Today translation is not just transfer of texts from one language into another, but also two-sided process of influence between languages and cultures mediated by a translator. We should remember that it is the ‘inter’ - the cutting edge of translation and renegotiation, the in-between space - that carries the burden of the meaning of culture (Basnett, 2014). Translation is seen in this manner as reaffirmation of terms of equivalence, the visibility of the translator and as an act of creative rewriting.
It is acknowledged these days that culture works in so many ways as a translation mechanism. As Torop notes ‘translation semiotics itself can be regarded as a discipline that deals with mediation processes between various sign systems, and, on the macro level, with culture as a translation mechanism (Kukkonen, 2015) Delicacy of translation of culture-bound terms is associated with their notion in the original cultural setting, alien to other culture. Translator’s choice usually lies between functional equivalent of the target language or leaving the meaning understood from the context (Shiryaeva & Badea, 2014). The notion of borrowing the term from foreign language is conditioned by its importance in the translation. Such terms are those of certain cultural value and their meaning is explained later in the translator’s effort.
Sometimes the neutral words and phrases are used for less important terms from the body of work from which they are translated. Also, sometimes during translation word is omitted and the conclusion of its meaning could be drawn from the context. In that case, crucial is the relation of the word to the entire piece or speech.
3.1.3 Specific cultural context of English and Arabic
Cultural variations between English and Arabic lead to difficulties in translation from one language into another and vice versa. The non-equivalence specific Islamic cultural concepts represent an actual barrier to the students in translating from the Arabic language to the English language (Almubark, et al., 2014). Specific cultural terms are hard to translate as they have specific linguistic structure and socio-economic significance. The importance of knowledge about target culture proves irreplaceable when it comes to these idioms.
Globalization has raised the importance of getting to know distant cultures in a best way possible. Thus, translators from and into Arabic face difficulties on different linguistic levels, be they terminological, syntactic or textual (El-Farahaty, 2016). Absence of adequate terminology makes comparison of two cultures even more important. Translation of some rare or even ‘archaic’ terms, from one language into other demands that similar practice must be traced in the target language.
Many terms in both English and Arabic have cultural associations, which makes them unique. Regarding idioms and their translation, idioms can never be literally translated (Howwar, 2013). Idioms are words that function as a single unit and who in this way create a statement. Being analyzed independently they may not have the same meaning. For a proper translation, getting to know their cultural background is vital.
Idioms are interesting due to their ability to be unique for single language and universal, in terms that they appear in many languages. When linguists talk about mastering the use of idioms by a language learner as an indicator of language proficiency, they mean knowing the language and culture of these expressions (Aldahesh, 2013). This would make the speaker sound as if he/she is native or near native.
4. Methodology
The methodology used here relies on analysis of appropriate sources on the subject. These sources are chosen from the field of studies done at showing the importance of culture-language relation. Also, analysis is done for the purpose of confirming the importance of cultural dimension of translation.
As stated before, there is limited number of studies from English into Arabic and the opposite, done with respect to cultural dimension. Those that are done confirmed that mistakes translators made, arise from insufficient knowledge about target culture. The errors committed by the students are classified into addition, modification, omission, selection and avoidance, which may have resulted from the students insufficient knowledge of English idiomatic expressions (Qassem & Vijayasarathi, 2015). Another important aspect of translation is vocabulary knowledge of target language, especially knowledge of so-called culturally bound items (CBIs). CBIs are prefabricated, conventionalized expressions, often with non-compositional meaning, that relate to a specific linguistic community within a given language (Aldahi, et al., 2017). Handling culturespecific concepts (CSCs) appears to be one of the most challenging tasks to be performed by a translator; in other words, culture awareness, are far more complex phenomenon than it may seem (Elkateb, 2016). Culture in this case may have to be considered in a broad sense, as in anthropological studies (Almubark, 2017). Translation always include both languages and culture, as they are inseparably linked.
The difficulties, which translators have if this link is broken, are often associated with insufficient knowledge of target culture or some of its culturally bound expressions. Findings revealed that participants encounter a variety of difficulties when translating culturally laden expressions, especially metaphors (Aldosari, 2017). The use of metaphors allows people to convey special meanings when communicating, regardless if they express themselves verbally or in writing, in all aspects of their lives (religious, creative writing, linguistics, science, etc.) (Mansoor, 2017). Therefore, these and other related items often appear in conversation or writings.
Differences in culture may impose difficulties on translator, larger than differences in languages. Sometimes the translation problems may happen even when the source language and target language have some similar linguistic and culture features (Almanna, 2013). The purpose of the translation is to preserve the atmosphere and the meaning of the original text. A good translation is one that carries all the ideas of the original as well as its structural and cultural features (Hassan, 2014). However, the steps in creating understanding sometimes are obscure because a word may imply more than one meaning (Abidalkane, 2015). Therefore, especially in verbal context, sentences may have more broader meaning, then their linguistic significance.
Sometimes it is hard to find equivalent in the target language, as with more specialized terms, such as those coming from medicine, politics, science and technology. The difficulties come from the fact that there is often a lack of ready equivalents for these neologisms in the target language and that these neologisms are culturally loaded (Hanaqtah, 2016). Just like in the case of sentences that have broader meaning, not just linguistic one, these neologisms are used to hide the real meaning or social issue. They also demand certain level of knowledge of those aspects of target language’s culture. In translating technical terms, one is often faced with the problem of neologism and non-equivalence (Argeg, 2015). It is of equal importance in these cases, the knowledge of terminology of source text, as well as of coined counterparts in the translated language. Thus translators should consider issues related to culture that require decoding and encoding of what is said not only from a linguistic point, but cultural as well (Mohammed, et al., 2019). Language is the one that expresses patterns of certain culture, therefore sometimes the translation is meaningful only with accordance to social surroundings of the source text or conversation.
To conclude, there is no doubt that language-culture connection exists and that is of equal importance as linguistic connection between two languages. Based on theoretical analysis approach shown above, it is pointed out on the importance of cultural dimension of translation. Following this, I will state two chosen approach of translation of culturally bound terms and idioms
4.1 Translation methods of culturally bound terms and idioms
Difficulties which translators face when they are translating terms and idioms, closely related to a specific culture, are both ‘extralinguistic’ and ‘intra-linguistic’. Extralinguistic problems are often expressed as lexical problems, whereas culture-specific translation issues are mainly intra-linguistic and pragmatic, involving idioms, puns and other forms of wordplay (al- Rikaby, et al., 2018). To solve the problem related to culture, when translating original text, translators often use domestication and foreignization approach. Some translators prefer changing the source language (SL) values and bringing them ‘closer’ for the (TL) receivers (Metwally, 2019). This strategy is called domestication, while the one where the original values are preserved is called foreignization. They come out to answer the question of how to bridge the gap between the writer of the source-text which is written in a language that is very culture-bound and the target text-writer (Obeidat & Mahadi, 2019). Therefore, both strategies are more associated with culture than with language itself.
While foreignization aims at preserving the strangeness of source text, domestication does quite the opposite. This means, minimizing the foreign culture as much as possible in order for the target text to be accessible to target audience (Habtoor & Al-Qahtani, 2018). Sometimes, foreignization is preferred method, as a mean of information transferring about the source culture to a target audience. For this purpose, it is sometimes required from translator to choose between the two.
5. How the research will be communicated to a wider community
Our study might prove valuable to scholars, when it comes to closing the gap of existing studies on the subject. It can raise the question of the position of the translator in today’s modern world of translation by questioning his/her traditional role, as seen in the Western societies. Western conceptualizations of translation can be associated with metaphor of the translator as standing “between” in the transfer process (Tymoczko, 2014). Our findings go beyond that traditional view of translation by broadening its significance with respect to culture, where translator is a mediator between cultures and not just languages. Within the framework of such a comprehensive theory of human communication, a translation theory cannot draw on a linguistic theory alone, however complex it may be (Nord, 2014). With reference to that, cultural dimension is of equal importance, as linguistic one, and actions of the translators are of equal importance as source or target text.
This study will be communicated to a wider scholarly audience through publications in respectful journals and peer reviews. For the purpose of informing target audience of this study, organization of presenting conference is strongly recommended. There findings could be communicated through presentation of the study and relevant literature.
6. The supervisory provision as well as specialist and transferable skills training
The supervisory of the study and its following activities is done by the University of Edinburgh, whose department has a leading role in this field of study. University also organizes transferable skills courses aimed at providing all the necessary help to future experts. Training courses for PhD researchers are also organized in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences (The University of Edinburgh, n.d.). As for funding of this research, I have a Saudi Arabia government scholarship. I am an applicant for PhD in translation at University of Edinburgh and looking to find a supervisor who will monitor the whole process and give all the necessary recommendations.
Ethical considerations
Worlds represented by English and Arabic languages are in some cases closely connected, as in the world of medicine, where many English terms are still used in medical schools of the Arab world. This study was done with respect to achievements of both cultures and neither one of them is being favored in comparison to the other. It also does not subordinate one language to the other, making it less valuable in the eyes of the reader. Achievements of both cultures in literature as a main source for translation process are being put in an equal level and not undervalued in any possible way. A minor literature does not come from a minor language, it is rather that what minority constructs within a major language (Hassan, 2014). The study comes at full respect to both languages, cultures and traditions, who are sometimes intertwined. This connection is specially viewed through examination of those terms, sentences and sayings that are culturally related.
7. Summary and conclusions
The aim of this study was to, at first, establish clear culture-language connection in the whole translation process. This was done with respect to more traditional language-language connection in the translation activity. Secondly, and not less important was to raise awareness on culture dimension of translation. This was done in accordance with relevant literary sources, which are based on more modern approach to translator’s role in the whole process. Translator position’s reaffirmation, therefore, comes as him/her being a mediator not just between languages, but also between cultures, as well. Finally, specific cultural heritage of both English and Arabic was viewed through idioms, as they are part of both languages, which are not that easy to translate. For that ability, it is of great importance to know both cultures, as well. Knowing social background of original or source text or its fragments or presenting conversation, comes as another important aspect of the translation task.
Presented theoretical analysis method was used on an appropriate selection of literature, aimed at approving these initial assumptions. Based on the findings of other researches, it is presented how difficult it is to translate those culturally bound terms and idioms without prior knowledge on target and source culture. Some of them could be only found in specialized fields, like medicine, military or politics and can’t be easily brought to target audience without adequate knowledge of their original cultural setting.
Two possible methods for translation of the culturally bound source text were suggested. First one is called domestication method, where the atmosphere of the original text is brought closer to target audience by sacrificing some of its original significance. The second one, which is sometimes preferred with those translators who want to transfer both the language and the atmosphere of the source text, is called foreignization.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the main purpose of the research paper "The Importance of Cultural Awareness in English and Arabic as a challenge for Translation Process"?
The paper aims to emphasize the significance of cultural knowledge in both source and target languages for accurate translation, focusing on the language-culture connection, cultural dimensions of translation, and specific cultural contexts of English and Arabic.
What is the hypothesis of the research paper?
The hypothesis is that translation is as much a cultural process as it is a linguistic one. The paper explores the language-culture relationship and the cultural contexts of English and Arabic to support this hypothesis.
What are the key objectives of the research?
The objectives include establishing the language-culture connection, addressing the cultural dimension in translation, and highlighting the specific cultural contexts of English and Arabic translation.
What methodology is used in the research paper?
The methodology involves analyzing existing literature on the subject, focusing on studies that highlight the relationship between language and culture in translation. It examines sources that demonstrate the importance of cultural knowledge for translators and the impact of insufficient cultural understanding.
What are some of the difficulties faced in English-Arabic translation due to cultural differences?
Cultural variations between English and Arabic can lead to translation difficulties. The paper acknowledges that non-equivalence of specific Islamic cultural concepts, specific linguistic structures, and socio-economic significance represent barriers to adequate translation. It also focuses on translating culturally bound terms and idioms.
What are the proposed methods for translating culturally bound terms and idioms?
The paper suggests two main approaches: domestication and foreignization. Domestication involves adapting the source language values to be more familiar to the target audience, while foreignization aims to preserve the original values and cultural strangeness of the source text.
How does globalization impact the importance of cultural awareness in translation?
Globalization increases the importance of understanding distant cultures. Translators working from and into Arabic encounter difficulties on terminological, syntactic, and textual levels. The absence of adequate terminology emphasizes the need for comparing and understanding the cultural context to make accurate translations.
How will the research be communicated to a wider community?
The research will be communicated through publications in reputable journals and peer reviews. The organization of presenting conferences is also planned to reach the target audience and disseminate the research findings effectively.
What are some ethical considerations taken into account in the study?
The study respects achievements in both English and Arabic cultures, and neither one is favored. It equally values both cultures' literature and avoids subordinating one language to the other. The research aims to present a balanced and respectful view of both languages and cultures, even when examining culturally related terms, sentences, and sayings.
What existing literature is used in the study?
The study references existing works that show a lack of target cultural knowledge by the translators, reaffirming a cultural dimension to translation. It mentions studies that examine culturally bound idioms, the cultural competence of translators, and the challenges students face with culture-related expressions.
- Quote paper
- Ayed Alqarni (Author), 2011, The Importance of Cultural Awareness in English and Arabic. A Challenge for the Translation Process, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1452428
