Translation Criteria from English to Arab - Essay Example

TRANSLATION CRITERIA FROM ENGLISH TO ARAB Name University Course Department Lecturer Introduction Most cultures still embrace male chauvinism an ill that has resulted into suffering and oppression of women who the men in these societies come across. In this case, women are impoverished even if they made a contribution to the initial wealth owned by their family together with their husbands (Hassan & Heselwood, 2011). In this book, ‘Will I get my dues... before I die?’, women have been undergone oppression at the hands of men most of whom are their husbands (Faiq, 2004). An example is Shefali, a Muslim lady who had dedicated her time before she became pregnant in the fields belonging to her husband family (Kashyap, 2012). Immediately she got pregnant and was unable to continue working in these fields, she was neglected by the husband who at that moment decided to marry another woman leaving Shefali to suffer from his beatings and anguish in poverty as their family was poor thus the need to continue leaving with the husband family. Another woman, Namrata, Hindu, made contribution to his husband to start a business, the husband went ahead misused the money but when asked about it tricked his own wife into drinking acid that has resulted into her dependence on nasogastric tube for feeding (Kashyap, 2012). Another woman, Joya, a Christian lady, also suffered similar consequences at the hands of her mother in law, she had been hardworking but was working under restrictions that she was not allowed a break to interact with her little daughter resulting into her husband beating her and later on compelled to return to her father’s house (Kashyap, 2012). These scenarios indicated how the society is cruel on women regardless of religion (Hassan, 2011). This has thus prompted the need to have a wider audience for this book by translating it into Arabic language. Legal documents whether private legal document, domestic legislation as well as international legal materials take into account of crucial terms such as ‘shall’. A translated document into Arabic would be accepted by the Arabs considering their long history with such documents dating to the Babylonian engagements. Such translation would be normative, informative, or judicial. Human Rights Watch operates as a non-profit and as a non-governmental group that is constituted of several staff across the world. Among the staff are professional of different fields such as doctors, lawyers, experts in various countries, members of journalism professionalism among others. The body conducts accurate and realistic research in various issues affecting different groups of citizens in war prone countries or communities with cases of human rights abuse (Kashyap, 2012). Its coverage is broad as it has published in more than 90 counties with over 100 reports written for the studies conducted. In its research, the organization works closely with continental organizations such as the European Union, the Africa Union, and global organizations such as the United Nations. It has over the past held meetings with various governments, financial organizations with regards to justice for the citizens of the affected regions. Its key focus is therefore unmasking the ills within these societies. In their research findings, the organization is guided by various principles such as independence that aims at concealing the loopholes that might compromise the findings of the organization. The interference could be from any sector such as governments of the affected countries, the organization therefore do not accept funding or grants from interested parties that could jeopardize its findings. The author of this book is Human Rights Watch. The research and writing was done by Aruna Kashyap. The author is an advocator of human rights and preacher of justice in its production (Hassan, 2011). It has written books on matters touching on people across the continent such as a book on Angola elections, ‘Angola’s upcoming elections’, ‘Iraq’s information crimes Law’ among others. Most of its books are on ills of the society and as informative to the rest of the world of the activities in these particular places. According to (Hassan, 2011), Human Rights Watch has produced other books including ‘Even the dead bodies Must Work’, ‘All you can do is Pray’, ‘Toxic Tanneries’, ‘Growing Up locked down’, ‘Abusive System’, ‘ Even a ‘big man’ must face justice’, ‘What will happen if hunger comes?’ among other books. About the stylistic characteristic, the method of translation is based on simplicity, smoothness and clearness with an aim of creating the matter and manner. This is crucial as the content is to be keenly considered to minimize chances of biasness or omission of the document. Profile the source text As concerns the register, all the patterns and alignment of words used to ease the comprehension of the text are in some cases complex even though the major classification of register is majorly formal or informal, jargon-like or non-jargon usage of words, the register could be technical or nontechnical in nature (Freely, 2010). This therefore calls for more keenness on the translator due to the need to attain the specificity of the target audience. The translator would then need to simplify the words as they work on a pattern to provide the best and easy comprehension to the target audience. The document can also be considered under a specific classification of official documents as an institutionalized genre classification (Freely, 2010). The target group has limited knowledge in the ST language due to the language barrier but with the translated version, the TT will be easily understood by the target group. In the book, ‘Will I Get My Dues … Before I Edie?’ addresses the ills and the suffering of women of various religious origins. The Source Text covers the lives of three women and how they suffered at the hands of their own husbands (Hanem, 2015). The chapters covered in this book are eight with an explanation on the role of women and their contribution to the economic status as well as their sufferings, a review of the discriminatory laws different religious groups subject their women to, a specific focus on the Bangladesh Laws, The obstacles, obligations and then a consideration of the International Laws. The Genre and typing is simple clear comprehensive English that describes real events that happened and thus factual in nature (Maalouf et al., 1985). This ST can be categorized as a narrative as it narrates in chronological manner different cases, the genesis of the sufferings, the extent of sufferings and the final life of the women described. The ST can be verified and as it is, it is built on truthfulness, and non-fictional. The book can also be classified as and informative book that explains how the rules and the laws of these societies subject women into punishment. The information in the book illustrates a real-life scenario hence the need for its translation. Will I get my dues … before I die has legal contents ranging form the personal laws, the Muslim laws, the Christian laws, the Hindu laws. It also gives an insight into the laws that pertains to marriage in these societies as well as reformation of the personal laws. This document also gives a view on the laws that regulates the property ownership and inheritance. Its ST is therefore legal in its contexts as it also gives information of the domestic violence and at the end of it, a recommendation that would best suit the target audience with its rich information. The document, just like any other legal document, has its unique lexical features with its own legalese. It therefore needs interpretation of its legal story. Its synaptic levels are also covered under this portion with its modal auxiliaries. The translator must remember that at the end of the translation of the ST to TT the importance of the document remaining as a legal document even after translation into Arabic land (Hanem, 2015). Target reader Profile Translation of this book primarily targets the Arab people. The translation of this document will enable the society change their perception towards girls from being perceived as ‘tools’ to a warm consideration with value towards the ladies. This translation will be of benefit to both the Muslims, Hindus, and even Christians as these ills cut across the religious borders. As concerns this translation, a number of factors arise that need to be considered considering the rich belief in cultural precedence and the key focus of the translator not to interfere with the content of the ST. Translating to Arabic language must consider the following variation. Due to limited modernization and considering that Arabic world has made little effort, comparatively, in technical writing, a translator is presented with a short narrow of terminologies to choose from (Bakalla, 2002). Because the text we are translating may be rich in technical terms, there arise a need to comply with the norm of first developing a transliteration or an ability of a translator to deduce a phrase, difficulty arise as there are no already set standards for the technical terms thus each translator must develop his/her phrases. Arabic community has a wide range of dialects and a variation on the register usage as well as the styles used in writing; the communities do not have a standard chosen registers or dialects to make reference to (Behrens, 1999). The translator is therefore left with an option of identifying a locality to target during the translation. Wider scope in terms of geographical targets of the audience is therefore not possible. These variations are driven by the earlier historical factors as well as geographical factors. Finally, the Arabic culture is built on laws that control the criminal justice, education, health and economy. Traditions have presented with discrimination of women as women had no legal status as [resented with the customary laws that drove the society in the pre-Islamic era (Sadiqi, 2003). Women had no legal entitlement in the wills, possession or property. This discrimination was witnessed even in the succession rights. . In this age and generation, however, Arabic nations still witness the elements of discrimination. Recently, women contested in the 2006 elections and those who failed to secure their seats blamed it on the negative culture and the media. This is a sign of an existing negative perception towards women. This then would prompt the translator to pay key concern towards the Arabic culture not to contribute to conflict of interest but at the same time have the message reach the target audience (Sadiqi, 2003). The audience will have a varied expectation and the knowledge of the text. For this particular document, it comes at a time when the Arabic society is disintegrating itself from the pangs of female discrimination. It comes at a time when the society has commenced a phase of appreciating the role of women and their contribution towards nation building. The society is therefore more likely to accept the text and even those who shall have read it will have an opportunity of sharing due to the realities written therein (Freely, 2010). It shall serve as enlightenment of the society and the need to be vigilant as regards its feminine gender. Publishing Venue profile For the purposes of publication, I will resort to a firm that publishes in Arabic language. In this case, I will be making a decision on a range of firms including American University in Cairo Press, Diamond Pocket Books, Al Sharq, Yemen Times, and Pertubuhan Berita Nasional Malaysia among others (Maalouf et al., 1985). I will however settle for Diamond Pocket Books publishers considering that they have dealt before with books that touches on culture, religion and above all non-fictional books just as Will I Get My Dues … Before I Die. This firm is based in New Delhi, India. It was established in 1948 and deals in nonfictional books, poetry (Maalouf et al., 1985). Diamond Pocket Books as a company is a highly competent company that has over the past dealt with other books in sectors such as yoga, culture, aeronautical studies, and has also heavily dealt in humor books. The company has vast experience in Arabic write up including both Hindu and English magazines such as Grenlakshmi, Diamond Cricket Today a magazine that reports on sports and Sadhna Path that touches on both health, aeronautical science, information that relates to religious most so spirituality . It its production and publications, this company has done over 2000 subjects in Hindi and other publications in other languages such as English, Urdu and even Bengali. Also part of the work this company has published are those done by great all time authors such as Kaka Hatharasi, Maa Prem Usha, Dr. Bhojraj, Munshi Premchand as well as Ravindra Nath Tagore among other authors (Maalouf et al., 1985). This would therefore form part of the reasons for an informed decision to settle for this company as opposed to others. About the quality of work by the company, the company runs a 24 hours operation thus timely in its publication. The machines used in this company are up to date with most of the processes computerized thus limiting room for errors. The machines also have a wide range of color to select from and a high quality binding of the book. The company also sorts the support of highly trained personnel to run the manual aspect of publishing (Maalouf et al., 1985). The delivery of the productions is timely as have been witnessed over the past. The level of trust would therefore be high as one opts to go by this company. Strategic translation decisions In this translation, the translator will not only have a responsibility towards the message conveyed to the audience but also to the other parts such as the content and a key focus on the author. The consideration towards the author is important as the styles incorporated in writing, register, the genre as well as the characterization of the key players, in this book, a focus on the three women. In translation, the content of this nonfiction information requires more focus with the aim of content by the players. In the legal dimension and the translation, Bangladesh is a country with both written and unwritten laws that are both applicable in this ST. As much as the country has a constitution that spells for equality to all citizens, these discriminatory laws are still evident. The legal translation of this document considering variation in the ST laws and the TT ensues. For instance, compliance to the kabin-nama or nikahnama during marriage by a Muslim couple is standard to the Bangladesh government. This might however not be the case with the Arab societies thus some reasons for some discrimination might not be understood by the target group. This therefore mandates the translation to sharpen their skills for the evidently variable application of the laws/. This must however be retained to form the basis and deep understanding of the text by the TT. The main components of this book are the religious attachment and the formal story behind the information in Will I get my dues … Before I die. Therefore, for competent translation, three theories would be brought into use. These are Semantic translation and Skopos. Semantic Theory Among the translation mechanism available such as the word-for-word classification, idiomatic translation, faithful translation, semantic classification, free translation among others, I chose to adopt the usage of semantic classification (Dakwar & Froud, 2014). This is informed based on the above analysis. This theory permits retention of the content and considers the most important message from the text and translates them. This in unison with the communicative approach allows effective communication of the author’s message. Communicative approach is the basis for semantic approach. Communicative approach purely ensures that the translation is mad and the meaning of the text retained. It therefore provides that texts are written inclusive of the idioms and the expressions to aid in the meaning of the text. Semantic theory avails accurate information of the translated text. It also gives a faithful reading. Semantic theory’s main focus is on the meaning of the information. This could simply be a phrase translation or sentence translation. This therefore involves three main types; class equivalence, instance equivalence, and property equivalence. An assumption is made during the translation based on the above three subtypes. Class equivalence indicated the possibility of two words having the same meaning. In this case, an alternative word could be translated in place of the original word considering that the two words have the same meaning. The implication of this is for example equal rights in this case would be assumed to have the same meaning has same rights. Instance equivalence gives the provision for similarity in naming of individuals. This applies for example Shefali S. would have the same meaning as Shef S. As for the property equivalence, refers to the usage of naming as a unit in translation. This for instance can be elaborated by considering similarities in naming objects. Semantic translation is adopted due to the variation between English and Arabic languages as it would best give the meaning of the text from the ST to the target language (Feely, 2010). In this portion, integration of the individual data and the information in the ST is used in developing a cohesive meaning of the TT. Skopos theory This translation is based on a German word, Skopos, meaning an insightful consideration of the purpose and as regards the possibility in translation. Its perception on translation is with regards to the purpose and the objectives that are to be met by the ST with a close consideration of the audience among other targets of the translation. Its main principles therefore lie in the ability of a translation to meet the purposes and the aims of the target audience. The ability of the translator to change the ST from just an offer of information to a more advanced offer of information for the target audience is the key focus with this system. The translator should therefore focus on the expectations and the impacts of the document to the target group. This is done by considering the information already possessed by the target group, the key values and the cultural as well as religious practices of the target audience. This will form the backbone of the TT ate the end of the translation of the document. This translation mechanism provides for a debate on what to include and the possibility to change the ST for the sake of cultural practices and the acceptable norms within the Arab communities. This is basically to enhance acceptability of the TT by the target audience. The Arab norms needs to be considered and adhered to and at the same time, the message must reach the audience. Therefore, in this part, the target expectation is given the priority otherwise the text would not meet the intended primary aim. This considers the aim and the purpose of translation and proceeds to elaborate on the purpose of translation for full functionality of the text. This is the basis for a functional outcome of the translation. The translation of the ST into the TL ensures that the purpose of the translation comes out clearly. References Annual Symposium on Arabic Linguistics, In Khamis-Dakwar, R., & In Froud, K. (2014). Perspectives on Arabic linguistics XXVI: Papers from the annual symposium on Arabic linguistics, New York, 2012. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing Company. Bakalla, M. H. (2002). Arabic culture through its language and literature. London: Kegan Paul. Behrens-Abouseif, D. (1999). Beauty in Arabic culture. Princeton: Markus Wiener. Faiq, S. (2004). Cultural encounters in translation from Arabic. Clevedon, U.K: Multilingual Matters. Freely, J. (2010). Light from the East: How the Science of Medieval Islam helped to shape the Western World. London: I.B. Tauris. Hassan, W. S. (2011). The Rise of Arab American Literature. Immigrant NarrativesOrientalism and Cultural Translation in Arab American and Arab British Literature, 38-58. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199792061.003.0001 Hassan, W. S. (2011). Introduction. Immigrant NarrativesOrientalism and Cultural Translation in Arab American and Arab British Literature, 3-37. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199792061.003.0000 Hassan, Z. M., & Heselwood, B. (2011). Instrumental Studies in Arabic Phonetics. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing Company. Hanem El-FarahatyFirst published (2015). Arabic–English–Arabic Legal Translation by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN and by Routledge 711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Kashyap, A. (2012). "Will i get my dues ... before i die?": Harm to women from Bangladesh's discriminatory laws on marriage, separation, and divorce. New York, NY: Human Rights Watch (HRW. Maalouf, A., Rothschild, J., & Rogers D. Spotswood Collection. (1985). The crusades through Arab eyes. Sadiqi, F. (2003). Women, gender, and language in Morocco. New York, NY: Human Rights Watch (HRW. Read More