A Contrastive Analysis of the Connotations, Idiomaticity and Metaphoricity of Face in English and its Arabic Equivalent wədʒh

Abstract

Objectives: This contrastive study aims to investigate the similarities and differences between the English term 'Face' and its Arabic equivalent, ‘‘wədʒh’, in terms of denotative meanings, connotative meanings, metaphorical meanings, and idiomatic uses. Methods: The data for this study were collected from a range of monolingual and bilingual dictionaries, as well as electronic databases. Results: The analysis has revealed that the term "wədʒh" encompasses a broader spectrum of meanings in Arabic compared to the word "face" in English. This divergence likely stems from the distinct cultures and historical backgrounds of the two languages. It is also found that both terms can carry connotations related to identity, expression, and communication. 'Face' and ‘‘wədʒh’ both imply the surface representation of an individual through metonymy and are frequently associated with emotions, reactions, and social interactions. Moreover, both terms can be used metaphorically to convey a wide array of concepts. Conversely, the two terms have their distinct set of idiomatic expressions, cultural nuances, and colloquial usages specific to their respective languages. Conclusions: Collectively, the current study is of significant value because it contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how body parts function as sources of linguistic creativity and cultural symbolism in social communication.