Challenges in Translating Arabic Culture-Bound Words into English: The Case of Selected Plays of the Egyptian Playwright Noaman Ashour

Abstract

This study attempts to demonstrate the mediating role the translator is entrusted with and the efforts undertaken by him/her to transcend cultural barriers. Two plays written by the renowned Egyptian dramatist Noamaan Ashour feature high on this study because they are heavily laden with culture-bound expressions that mirror the Egyptian cultural milieu. Also, the study explores the strategies formulated by the translator to address the problem of culture-bound items. These items pose a challenge to the translator since they are so deeply embedded in the source culture that the translator may find it difficult to render them into the Target Language (TL). Each translation strategy has its merits and demerits: cultural substitution is a reasonable strategy, but it entails that the translator should carefully consider equivalents and the hierarchy of correspondences so as to adapt the values of the Source Language (SL) cultural system to the values of the TL cultural system. Translation by paraphrase is another viable strategy, but it is sometimes cumbersome for the translator to break up a lexical item into several words and cover all its shades of meaning. The option of paraphrase may reduce the degree of transparency in Target Text (TT) since the addition of a paraphrase alerts the TL readers that the lexical item in question does not exist in their cultural matrix. Further, the strategy of cultural borrowing entails carrying across the meaning of cultural specifics verbatim into the TT. It thus involves the insertion of footnotes having explanatory material, and transliteration. This strategy may break the flow of thoughts of the TL readers since they will have to consult the footnotes while reading. Besides, the translator may run the risk of producing an inadequate definition of the culture-specific item in the footnote. Translation by omission is given due attention in this research as a strategy conducive to creating a smooth and readable Target Text. Translators should pay heed to the fact that this strategy is not a pretext to evade complex and awkward words and expressions; rather this strategy is justifiably adopted to prevent any degree of miscomprehension on the part of the TL readers. The strategy of compensation is demonstrated in this study. Translators are recommended to heed it since it seeks to create an understandable imitation of the Source Text.