A Study of the Problems of Translation, Rhetorical Analysis, and Translation of a Speech of Mohammed Mossedeq

Abstract

Through the translation and analysis of a major speech, the political thought and rhetorical devices of Mohammed Mossedeq, former Prime Minister of Iran (1951-1953), are examined. Just as cultural and philosophical differences account for many problems in such a translation, so have they led to Mossedeq's being largely misunderstood in the West. The study therefore presents a more positive view of Mossedeq, emphasizing his nationalism, which has inspired countless movements toward independence among the Third World nations. Chapters deal with the background of the study, problems of translation (including the semantic and lexical nonequivalences between languages, as well as cultural differences), and significant details from Mossedeq's biography, in addition to the principal translation, rhetorical analysis, and summary chapters. Mossedeq was deeply aware of the politica1 problems of Iran, the most important of which were: (1) the interference of foreign powers, especially England and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company; (2) the total corruption of the Iranian government; and (3) the lack of political awareness and education of the Iranian people. A major solution to the first problem was Iran's nationalization of her oil resources. The main speech reflects this event and its impact on Iran, as well as on the rest of the wor1d, in the larger context of the need for the Iranians to unite and become conscious of their power and resources. The speech outlines Mossedeq's political motives, his plans for alleviating Iran's government and people. It also illustrates Mossedeq's charismatic appeal: he was a skilled speaker, one who stirred his audiences, whether they were members of the Iranian parliament (Majlis), or illiterate peasants. His language was simple yet highly communicative-- and no one before him had ever received such public support in Iran.