Arabic–Yoruba Translation of the Qur'an: A Socio-linguistic Perspective

Abstract

The discussion is introduced with an overview of the evolution of Yoruba ethnic identity toward the end of the nineteenth century; the role and primary motives of Rev. Samuel Ajayi Crowther in the emergence of Standard/K, oine/Literary Yoruba and its orthography as well as the various tributaries to the Literary Yoruba. Probable reasons for the delay in the appearance of Yoruba translations of the Qur'an in spite of the long contact of the Yoruba with Islam are suggested. Emphasis is laid on the contribution of Yoruba Muslim religious discourse over time to the Literary Yoruba as well as the techniques employed by Yoruba translators of the Qur' an in deriving appropriate Yoruba words through the internal dynamics of the Yoruba verbal system. The major distinguishing features of the existing translations are identified and suggestions are made for future refinement.