QUR'ANIC TRANSLATION IN THE FRAME OF COMMUNICATION (An Evaluative Study of the Translation of Message Terms in the Qur'anic Translation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)

Abstract

Purpose: This paper critically examines the translation of message terms in Qur’anic Translation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Republic of Indonesia.
 Methodology: The writers analyzed the case through three steps. The first step, is analyzing the context. The context covers people who involved in the process of communication; communicator, communicant, and communication environment. The second step, is analyzing key word of communication, especially to look for its derivation and its denotative meaning. The third step, is determining the indicators of key word. Finally, is exploring the implication of indicator in communication activities.
 Result: The study result shows that some translations of the terms are difficult to understand due to illogical use of Indonesian language. Moreover, some translations of the term do not refer the context of the verse. In addition, some translations of the term are overlapped. These translations do not reflect Qur’an-based communication and eventually do not support the integration of religion and science.
 Recommendation: New translation based on a good Indonesian language, context of verse and refers to communication studies will produce a better understanding of Qur’anic verses of communication. Moreover, it is recommended to use translations of key words that writers offer in this paper as an alternative. In addition, giving footnote for key words is another alternative that should be considered by translator team.