JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES

Assessment of the Translation of Metaphor and Simile in Selected Quranic Verses into English

Ola Abdulqader Shareef

Jinan University/ Lebanon

Mona Sahyoun

Jinan University/ Lebanon

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25130/lang.7.2.19

Keywords: Translation, Metaphor, Simile, translation assessment, religious translation

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Abstract

Translating the Quran enables a broader global audience, including those unfamiliar with Arabic, to connect with its teachings, fostering engagement among individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds. It employs an elegant approach to elucidate this intellectual concept by employing figurative language to present ideas for better comprehension. The primary objective of this study is to assess the most effective approach for translating figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, found in the Holy Qur'an. Selected translation samples are used to analyze the different techniques applied in translating these elements within the Quranic text. Furthermore, the study seeks to identify processing methods followed by translators when dealing with Quranic similes and metaphors, analyzing them to gauge the level of equivalence between translation techniques and the intended meanings. The analysis is based on three specific translations: Abdallah Yusuf Ali's English translation "The Holy Quran", Al-Hilali and Khan's translation of “The Nobel Quran, English Translation of the meanings and commentary”, and Arthur John Arberry's translation "The Holy Koran". Through a careful examination of selected samples, this study highlights that the chosen translators employ diverse techniques and procedures to convey the authentic meaning of these figurative expressions. However, due to the inherent challenges and obstacles faced when translating similes and metaphors, there are instances where the translators fall short of reproducing the same imagery and impact as the original expression. In essence, they found in the source text.