Traces of Ideology and Fictional Scenarios in Translating the Qurān: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Nine Cases across Twenty Versions in English (original) (raw)
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Traces of Ideology and Fictional Scenarios in Translating the Qurān
Abstract: This research article aims to explore and critically examine nine cases in which traces of ideology are explicitly or implicitly involved in creating fictional scenarios‘ in the context of translating the Qurān into English. The goal is to trace the ideological agendas that underpin these fictional scenarios‘ and the way they shape the Qurānic message. The article employs a critical qualitative framework that allows for the researcher‘s subjective interpretations of the relevant texts. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is used for the analysis of data as this approach provides convenient modes of critical thinking to carry out the present thesis. In this article, nine cases across twenty versions of the Qurān in English are investigated. Major findings indicate that traces of ideology are the genesis of fictional scenarios that drastically alter the Qurānic message. Neo-Mutazilite, modernist, and Qurānist traces of ideology significantly contribute to produce alien readings of some Qurānic texts as in cases (1) to (6). Sufi and gnostic ideologies are crucial in creating a fictional scenario in which the Prophet Muhammad is supposed to have attained the Beatific Vision in the Night of Ascension:[cases (7)].Plus, the desire to create exotic worlds‘ and intrude into the privacy of women has its own legacy in the world of ideology and significantly contributes to create fictional scenarios‘ in translating particular Qurānic verses:[case (8)]. Nonetheless, sometimes complex traces of ideology may combine together to create an ideologically motivated fictional reading: [case (9)]. Keywords: Qurān, fictional scenarios, traces of ideology, critical discourse analysis (CDA), Sufi
This research article aims to explore and critically examine six cases in which traces of ideology are explicitly or implicitly involved in the context of translating the Qurān into English. It attempts to answer questions pertinent to the nature and effect of traces of ideology on translating the Qurān in English and the way they shape the Qurānic message. The article employs a critical qualitative framework that allows for the researcher’s subjective interpretations of relevant texts. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is used for the analysis of data as this approach provides a convenient mode of critical thinking to carry out the present thesis. In this article, six texts across twenty versions of the Qurān in English are investigated in terms of their salient features that reflect peculiar ideological readings. Major findings indicate that complex traces of ideology may contribute to a particular choice in translating the salient features in the texts investigated. The case of Helminski, for instance, shows how cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Sufi doctrines, and feminist agendas all combine to produce a radical reading of the Qurān in English where she consistently refers to Allah (SWT) with the combination he/she. Sufi ideologies are crucial in translating some pronouns with controversial references in some Qurānic verses. As well, gnostic interpretations have their own legacy such as the alteration in Khalifa’s ‘authorized version’. Plus, Neo-Mutazilite and Qurānist traces of ideology significantly contribute to produce alien readings of some Qurānic texts as illustrated in cases (5) and (6) in this research article. Keywords: Qurān, traces of ideology, critical discourse analysis (CDA), sacred feminine, Sufi
Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on Translation No.4 May, 2015 Pp.167-181 Traces of Ideology and the ‘Gender-Neutral’ Controversy in Translating the Qurān: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Three Cases Abdunasir I. A. Sideeg Department of Applied Linguistics Yanbu University College Royal Commission-Yanbu Colleges and Institutes, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abstract: This research article aims to explore and critically examine the controversy of ‘neutral-gender’ language in the context of translating the Qurān into English. It investigates three different cases in which ‘gender-neutral’ translation is explicitly or implicitly involved. The article attempts to answer questions pertinent to the nature of traces of ideology that produce ‘neutral-gender’ translations of the Qurān in English and the effect of this type of translation on shaping the Qurānic message. It employs a critical qualitative framework that allows for the researcher’s subjective interpretations of relevant texts. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is used for the analysis of data. In this article, three texts across fourteen versions of the Qurān in English are investigated. A control version is used to check the three cases sampled. The ‘gender-neutral’ language in translating the Qurān reflects complex traces of ideology as it is not motivated by the feminist agenda alone. The case of Helminski, for instance, shows how cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Sufi doctrines, and feminist agendas combine to produce a radical reading of the Qurān in English. Plus, the ‘gender-neutral’ approach may contribute to the unjustified loss of core stylistic and discoursal features that are peculiar to the SL text. However, ‘gender-neutral’ translation is not all ‘evil’ as it might in particular few cases broaden understanding of some Qurānic verses in translation. Keywords: Critical Discourse Analysis, Feminist agenda, Gender-neutral language, Ideology, Qurān translation
A Comparative Study on Two Translations of the Holy Qur'an: A Critical Discourse Analysis Approach 1
The present study, working within the framework of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), aimed to compare two translations of the holy Qur'an (i.e. the 1955 translation of Arthur Arberry and the 2001 translation of Tahereh Saffarzadeh). Therefore, the researcher, using the three-dimensional analytical framework of Fairclough (1989, 2001) (i.e. description of text, interpretation of the relationship between text and interaction, and explanation of the relationship between interaction and social context) sought to have a critical discourse analysis of these two translations to see whether any difference can be found in them because of some significant parameters such as gender, time, place, ideological beliefs and presuppositions of translators, and …etc. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher came to the conclusion that these two translations are different, and, more importantly, that this difference is not just a linguistic difference, but rather an ideological one. Data analysis indicated that Saffarzadeh's translation is as interpretive and ideological as possible. Her translation is full of interpretive lexical choices (equivalents) as well as discursive structures (e.g. overcompleteness, euphemism, nominalization, passivization, addition, and…etc.) which are ideology-laden and can indicate ideological implications. Arberry's neutral lexical choices and his attempts to keep the grammatical structure of the signs of the Holy Qur'an, nevertheless, has created a translation which is less interpretive and less ideological.
Islamic Discourse, Ideology and Translation: Sayyid Qutb’s Milestones as a Model
Traduction et Langues
Ideology is a critical term in the domain of translation. This study aimed at identifying the ideological implications behind the translator’s lexical choices in Qutb’s Milestones into English. It also investigated the ideological, cultural and religious impacts that affect the flowing of meaning for the target audience. The sample of the study was Sayyid Qutb’scontroversial Islamic book ‘Milestones.’ The book was considered a manifesto of Muslim fanaticism in the eyes of the West. Two translated versions of the book were examined; one version was translated in 1981 by Cedar Rapids (publisher) and the other was translated in 2006 by A.B. al- Mehri. The study compared and analyzed the translator's lexical choices. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework was applied to provide a critical analysis of the hidden ideologies, socio- cultural context, power inequalities and implied meanings between the Source Text (ST) and the translator’s choices of words in the Target Text (TT). ...
2019
Scholarly work in the field of Translation Studies (TS) has a tendency to focus only on the political aspects of the term “ideology”. Such a reductive approach to this concept risks overlooking other, and not less important, meanings that the term encompasses. This study, therefore, embraces an inclusive and broader definition of ideology in order to demonstrate its potential for understanding translation as a social activity. Drawing on Louis Althusser’s theory of ideology and notion of interpellation, this study explores the functioning aspects of ideology in the context of translation. In the frame of Althusser’s theory, ideology is always-already embedded in translation within or without the state. Within the state, translation operates at the level of the ideological state apparatus, conforming to and reproducing the dominant state ideology as part of the state’s struggle for hegemony. Without the state, translation operates as a (counter) ideological apparatus, resisting the p...
2014
Translation of a literary text from its original language to another requires not only great skill in both languages, but also in depth knowledge of the background and culture as well. A scripture, particularly the Qur'ān, which proclaims itself as a linguistic marvel, presents a higher level of difficulty. The translating the Qur'ān is different from all other texts and scriptures. The Word of God cannot be presented in any human language and it is difficult to have the formal and dynamic equivalence. This paper aims to analyze the verse 9:5 of the Qur'ān which deals with the concept of Jihād and how different versions appear in the five representative English translations. The selected translations are those rendered by Yusuf Ali (apologetic and pseudo-rational), Hilali and Muhsin Khan (salafi), Abul Ala Mawdudi (traditional) Muhammad Asad (apologetic) and Tarif Khalidi (modern). Modification of the Qur'ānic terms, distortion of the syntactic structure, selection of biblical archaic lexicon, negation of the semantic coherence of the Qur'ānic verse, marginalization of important message etc. are found. They find room for accommodating their ideologies and viewpoints in their translation of the Qur'ānic verse.
A Discourse Analysis of Surah Al-Duha in the Holy Quran: Implications for Contemporary Discourse
This study employs a discourse analysis (DA) framework to explore the linguistic and textual features of Surah Al-Duha in the Holy Quran and its implications for contemporary discourse. The study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the discursive elements and patterns of the Surah and its context to explain how language is used to shape meaning and construct social structures and ideologies. The study used a qualitative research design that draws on the principles of DA to analyze the Surah's grammar, syntax, lexicon, and metaphorical language. The study also explaind the historical, social, and cultural context of the Surah to explore its relevance and implications for contemporary discourse. The findings of the study showed that several discursive strategies and patterns were employed in the text, including the use of metaphorical language, intertextual references, and repetition of certain words and phrases. These strategies and patterns contribute to the overall meaning and interpretation of the text and highlight how power, identity, and ideology are constructed and negotiated in religious discourse. The study presents an original and valuable contribution to the field of discourse analysis and the understanding of the Quran as a religious text.
BASA Journal of Language & Literature
This study aims to analyze the impact of the language used in the Quran on Islamic discourse, using qualitative research methods and content analysis of Quranic verses and scholarly literature. The study finds that the Quranic language's unique literary style and linguistic features contribute to its authority and persuasiveness, shaping Islamic discourse over time. Rhetorical devices, such as repetition and parallelism, add to the text's effectiveness. The study highlights the importance of understanding the Quranic language and its impact on Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and ethics, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research. By analyzing the linguistic and literary features of the Quran, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the text's meaning and message and appreciate its continued relevance in contemporary times. This study contributes to the broader understanding of the role of language in shaping religious discourse and interpretation.