Translating Cultural Elements in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar into Arabic
Israa A. Hussein
Tikrit University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25130/Lang.8.7.14
Keywords: Culture, Cultural Translation, Shakespeare studies, Translation
Abstract
Translating cultural elements from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" into Arabic involves conveying not just the words, but also the cultural nuances and historical context to ensure the richness of the original text is preserved. References to Greek and Roman mythology, such as allusions to gods and heroes, should be translated with care to maintain their cultural significance. While translating these elements, it's important to consider the target audience and whether footnotes or explanations might be necessary to aid comprehension, especially if the audience is not familiar with Roman history and culture. Additionally, the translator should aim to capture the poetic essence and linguistic beauty of Shakespeare's language in Arabic. Translating Julius Caesar, like any literary work, from its original language into Arabic can present several challenges as Cultural Context: Translating a work from one culture to another requires understanding and conveying the cultural context. Julius Caesar is deeply rooted in ancient Roman history, politics, and social customs. Translators must ensure that English translation conveys the cultural nuances and historical background accurately to make the play accessible and meaningful to English-speaking readers or audiences. Translating Julius Caesar into Arabic demands a deep understanding of the play, the cultural context, and linguistic intricacies. Translators must navigate the challenges of language structure, cultural adaptation, and poetic form to create a faithful and resonant Arabic version of the play.
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