Back Translating from English to Arabic - Essay Example

Politeness Theory Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Politeness Theory Introduction Politeness refers to a courteous manner that respects accepted social usage. While there are some common characteristics between languages, and it is known that, any abstract thought or idea can be expressed in any language. Translation and back translation from one language to another always tends to alter the original meaning. In other cases, the original message waters down due to the difficulty in expressing abstract ideas from one language to another. The problem is more profound when we consider unrelated or distantly related languages like English and Arabic (Beeston 1970). In the translation of information from one language to another, there is always a probability that the original meaning may not be conveyed accurately, as it was intended (Bell 1991). This is evident when back translation produces different results from the initial information that had been translated. This expresses the difficulty we encounter when studying politeness between different languages. The results from the analysis of information that we do cannot be remarkably accurate, but will be subject to a few inaccuracies and errors. Nevertheless, we are able to get a fabulous deal of understanding about the politeness of any language through the translation of information to other desired terms. An important thing to note is that while one is doing translation, it is reasonable to employ the service of a native speaker of a language in order to achieve perfect translation. In order to understand fully the rules of a language in terms of politeness, one needs to study and understand the language of the people in question, examine their day-to-day interaction and their responses to various issues (Watts 2003). This would include asking questions or administering questionnaires that will involve some perceived rude questions. The responses given from different people will help to understand the perceived and the actual level of politeness in a language. However, it is worth noting that in many cases, language and culture are so much intertwined that it is nearly unachievable to distinguish either. Literature Review The difficulties that arise when translating or back translating from English to Arabic are immense. The source of these differences may be as result of a number of factors including the environmental background, social livelihood, religion and geographical location. Arabic language is widely spoken almost throughout the entire Middle East, through the northern part of Africa, and by the majority of Muslims in the world. By having more than eighty six million speakers, the language boasts of being among the six top most used dialect. In contrast, English is the major language spoken globally with the majority of the speakers in Europe and the Americas. The social and cultural variabilities between these regions of the world are so vast, that the differences will manifest themselves in the way people communicate with each other. Consequently, it is extremely difficult to express abstract ideas from Arabic into English as precisely as they are. When translation is done, the exact meaning of a statement may be lost or might be altered. This is the reason why it is a little bit difficult to get the exact intended meaning especially when we use electronic translators, and there make us not to ever understand the intended meaning of a phrase. When using a human translator who understands both the languages well, there is a tendency that the interpreter will translate the message itself rather than the statement word for word. By doing this, we are able to listen and understand how messages are conveyed in that culture. When studying politeness in the Arabic language, chances are extraordinarily high that whatever we research on is mostly influenced by the Islamic culture other than the language itself. This is due to the great interaction that the Arabic language has had with the Islamic religion. To date, Arabic is the official language of Islamic religion and has been extensively used in many Islamic religious literatures. Unlike English, which is spoken almost universally, the Arabic language is mainly spoken in the Middle East region and North Africa. Either other Arabic speakers around the world are emigrants from this region or they are Muslim scholars who are doing a lot of research on the Quran. Politeness is a virtue in every culture (Watts 2003). It can be manifested in many ways, by word of mouth, by actions or the intentions of the one speaking or doing an action. However, many standards that people use to gauge politeness are gauged on ones expectations rather than the actual meaning. Considering this, many times the English people will gauge politeness depending on their own expectations from their school training, social or home expectations. On the other hand, Arabic speakers will gauge politeness depending on their cultural values, their exposure to the outside world and the religious teachings. Analysis and Discussion There are several fundamental differences between the two languages. The English language is written using the roman alphabets, which is not the case in Arabic language. The mode of writing differs markedly whereby in English the of writing is from left to right while in Arabic, writing is done from right to left. There is certainly no semblance of written English and written Arabic. The same is the case when we consider the spoken language, where there is always a sharp difference between spoken English and spoken Arabic. The tone, speed and intonations vary tremendously. This is the reason why a native Arabic speaker who studies English will in most cases carries a characteristic accent. The person will be found to speak English faster than normal. In addition, translation from English to Arabic expands the text by about twenty five percent (Ali 2011). This however does not imply that there is no relationship between English and Arabic. In fact, English, being almost a universal language, borrows heavily from many other languages and Arabic is no exception. Some common words that are used in English have their origin wholly or partly from Arabic language. Some of these words include algebra, lemon and sugar. Since English is a widely used language in science, technology, agriculture, biology and medicine, it is most likely that there are a number of words in English that are used in the Arabic language. In linguistics, it is widely known that all languages support the expression of a certain idea.. This means that any feeling, idea or thought can easily be put across using words from another language. There is no superior language in the world, and all languages are equal. However, words that are used to convey a message in one language are not identical as the one used in any other language. This is the reason why word for word electronic translation of speech ends up giving incorrect information since translating the words cannot give the message, but the context of the words is also extremely valuable. Many common words and phrases are used in both English and Arabic. These show the similarity between the two languages, since there is the availability of polite words used in both languages. Courtesy seems to be insisted in the two languages, whereby there are courteous words to use in both languages. While it is considered polite in English for a person to say ‘’hi’ to another person in an informal context, there is an equivalent for this in Arabic, which is ‘ahlan wa (sahlan') (ahel-lan wah sahel-lan). When this word is used, it is used to convey the same meaning that saying ‘hi’ to a person in English would convey. This is one example, which displays the uniqueness of languages to convey the same idea even when expressed in different languages. Just as it is expected that one will say ‘hi’ when you briefly encounter a friend or an acquaintance in the street, so it in Arabic that you say ‘ahlan wa sahlan’. In the same context, saying ‘hi’ to your boss in an official meeting would be disapproved in both cases. It is necessary to note that not every courteous word found in the English language is just available in any other language. To consider one case, while in English you will say ‘sorry’ to a person who has had a misfortune, in several other language the message to say to such a person would mean ‘do not worry’ when translated to English. While the two words are used in the same context, they actually do not mean the same and if translated to English. They not only lose the intended meaning, but also portray an entirely different meaning when used in the English language. This is why I would say that the mere availability of certain words in a certain language always portrays something about that language. Consequently, absence of words like ‘I am sorry,’ ‘thank you’ and many other similar words are an indicator that the language has placed considerable importance on politeness and etiquette (Edzurd & Guth 2009). Many other words are used in both English and Arabic languages and have the same meaning. Some of these are ‘as-salaamu ‘alaykum’ (ah-sah-lah-moo ah-lay-koom) to say hello, ‘SabaaH al-khayr’ (sah-bah al-kah-yer) to say good morning, ‘ilaa al-liqaa’ (ee-lah ah-lee-kah) to say see you soon and ‘shukran’ (shook-ran) to say thank you. The above words are used in closely the as they are spoken in the English language. It is expected of a person that he or she will say ‘as-salaamu ‘alaykum’ when he or she meets a friend, the English equivalent of hello. The same is the case for saying ‘shukran’ when one is served in a supermarket or a fast-food restaurant (Catafago 1858). The above words simply illustrate the similarity of courtesy words in both languages. It is an indication that both the English language and the Arabic language share similar attitudes on universally accepted norms or code of conduct. It is an astounding thing how such abstract things like feeling of gratitude can be expressed in both languages, which are not related at all. As a way of expression, language and words remains a primary tool to communicate and express our feeling towards each other, and no matter where we are, or which language we speak, the message can be clearly passed from one form to another. The only challenge that arises in spoken messages when translated from one language to another is the use of idioms and certain phrases. This arises because idioms tend to carry different meaning than the meaning of the actual words forming the idioms. Consequently, some words may convey a very different meaning if used as a group, and therefore would require a message translation rather than word for word translation. A statement like, ‘إذا كنت يحتقر الفقراء ، والسلام عليكم’ which literally means that ‘if you despise the poor, peace be upon you’, does not carry that message in Arabic. The correct translation would be ‘If you despise the poor, you will not have peace at all’. Such an example gives us a picture of things that take place when we rely on translated text to gauge politeness in Arabic language. It is therefore prudent to use a native speaker to translate the message rather than the words themselves. There is a significant fundamental difference between the English language and the Arabic language in terms of diction and choice of words. This is in cases where use of words that are considered abusive or a taboo, where they are not considered so in Arabic. There are also similar cases whereby some words can be used freely in English but would be considered a taboo in Arabic language. This is the case with swear and curse words. It is considered normal for one to swear or curse in Arabic language, and people will not be offended by the words. In every day-to-day life, people will curse or swear at each other but the intention or the deep meaning of the curse or the threat seems not to be taken seriously. A statement that is translated from Arabic to English would seem vulgar to any English speaker but it is not so with the Arabic speakers. In the same way, some words that are used in English appear to depict some sexual interactions, and are considered normal in informal settings. Words like ‘fuck’ would not even feature in any informal talk that is in Arabic and using the word is not only impolite but also disgusting to the listeners and to the one the one whom the message is being spoken to. I think that in this case, Arabic language portrays higher level of respect and politeness compared to the English language. In fact, use of these words is a taboo in the English language, but with time, people have come to accept them as a way of communication. The use of speech variations in language has the ability to alter the meaning of words or the message. The statement ‘Hurry up,’ is literally different from ‘Hurry up!’ The whole difference comes from the way we pronounce the two words, making it either a polite request, a neutral statement or a command. The same case applies to the Arabic language. There is a tendency for Arabic speakers to raise their voice or shout while expressing a statement or in a normal conversation. This would be so unusual if the language being spoken was English, as it is impolite to shout r raise your voice to a person. However, in Arabic language, it is normal; and no harm intended. The utilization of body language in addition is an essential aspect of communication. However, the body language used tends to vary from place to place, and also from language to another. There are several body language expressions that are used in one language but are absent in another language. Due to the immense cultural difference between English speaking and Arabic-speaking people, their body language tends to be extremely diverse, and what is accepted in one language may be profaned in the other. There are many expressions of love in English language. Many of these simply exploit the power of body language to express deep emotion. This can be in the form of a hug or a kiss, or any other bodily language that precisely communicates the feeling of one person to another. The message communicated through such actions is deeply communicated than by use of the word of mouth. This explains the use of kissing and lots of hugging between friends, lovers or even parents and children. However, use of these body language communication tools is not perceived in the same way in Arabic as it is in English language. Many restrictions in Arabic language concerning the use of body language restrict use of these modes of communication. This could be the rationale as to why an individual possibly will not find Arabic-speaking people hugging or kissing. In fact, the act may be seen as a means to profane the socially acceptable norms and values. While this may be attributed to language, it has also a lot to do with religion (Goldman 2011). Away from religion, there are other acts of body language that are neutral to religion that cannot blend easily between English and Arabic. In the English-speaking world, one is expected to smile back to a person smiling at you, or portray a smile as a means of expressing appreciation and happiness to someone. This is universally accepted in the among the English speakers. In fact, failure to offer a smile is deemed to be rude. In Arabic, smiling has little or nothing to with communication. One has no obligation to smile back or return a smile to a person who smiles at you. It seems weird for anyone who keeps smiling around. A word for ‘thank you’ is just enough to communicate the message in question and there is no need to use any physical expression. Clearly, this has nothing to do with culture or religion, but is just a manifestation of how languages can be diverse and unique. Failing to smile back is socially impolite in English, while it is not so in the Arabic language. English also has its own shortcoming when viewed from Arabic bodily expressions. In English, shaking of hands with people is allowed, but seems a problem if overused. One cannot expect to shake hands with everyone that one meets or stops in the street to talk to. A simple ‘hi’ is just enough for greetings. Failing to shake hands would not be deemed as impolite. In Arabic, shaking hands is a primary way of greetings. It is customary for Arabic speakers to extend a hand for any person that they are interacting with, however brief the interaction period is or no matter the relationship between the two people is. This is deeply entrenched in these people that failure to offer a handshake when you meet to or more people together is considered rude or unacceptable. The Arabic language profoundly values this use of body language to convey a message. Not everything is different though. Various similarities exist with regard to the use of body language. Whether is in English or Arabic, a frown means the same thing; disapproval. Many body language gestures seem to be universally accepted in the two languages. That is why it is considered acceptable to nod your head to show that you agree with what one has said. The personal space that we give to people is also expressed in the same way in both languages. It would impolite to sit just or stand just too close to a stranger, unless environmental factors demand so. In addition, the use of similar sign language like when giving directions shows some similarities. Other things that are considered improper and unacceptable in English language are just the same in Arabic language. Pointing at somebody is considered inappropriate, whether the person sees you or not. In addition, failure to answer someone who speaks to you is considered as the highest level of disrespect in both languages. The use of body language and expressions cannot be translated correctly from English to Arabic or from Arabic to English without possible loss of the intended meaning. The body expressions used can at times be misinterpreted when the speakers of the two languages are interacting. Nevertheless, it is evident that even when body languages are different, in similar situations or circumstances, there is always an intention to convey a similar message, which is well under if the speakers, are of the same language. Problem only arises when the intention of the message is comprehended from ones point of view rather than the intended message from the one who is communicating. It is therefore extremely difficult for a person to substantially claim that one language is impolite than the other when it comes to use of body language. Conclusion It is evident from the analysis and the discussion above that language is a powerful tool that would require more than just translation from one language to another if the same meaning is to be conveyed. Some aspects of the Arabic language look impolite when translated to English, but the message is not the same when spoken in an Arabic context. To achieve a proper understanding, it would be wise to seek translation from a native speaker of a language so that the context of the message is understood. By ordinary word-to-word comparison, we may never be in a position to fully understand and appreciate another language. In the analysis and the discussion above, we cannot out rightly say the English language is superior or better than the Arabic language in terms of politeness, but both languages have their own shortcomings and strengths. Bibliography Ali, RA 2011. Aspects of Scientific Translation: English into Arabic Translation as a Case Study. TranslationDirectory. Viewed 30th March 2011, from Beeston, A. F. L. (1970) The Arabic Language Today.  London: Hutchinson University Library Bell, R. T. (1991) Translation and Translating. London and New York: Longman Catafago , J, (1858). An English and Arabic dictionary: in two parts, Arabic and English, and English and Arabic, in which the Arabic words are represented in the oriental character, as well as their correct pronunciation and accentuation shewn in English letters, Part 2. The University of Michigan Edzurd, L & Guth, S, 2009. Verbal festivity in Arabic and other Semitic languages, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag; Germany Farghal, M. and Shunnaq, A. 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