Syntagmatic and Paradigmatic Axes as Parameters for Translation Accuracy: Towards Translating Images

Abstract

This paper intends to illustrate some of the contributions that semiotics can make to the actual act of translating different texts from Arabic into English and vice versa. It seeks to determine whether or not the syntagmatic and paradigmatic axes can be used as parameters for testing the significance of the sign and, accordingly, translation accuracy. To answer this research question, ample authentic data drawn from existing translations were used. Data analysis showed that in order to reflect accurate mental images in the minds of the target-language readers, extra attention should be paid to issues such as the scope of attention and intention, causation, viewing frames and pace of events in addition to the syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations. In a political discourse, changing a micro sign or a number of micro signs which are favourable to, and acceptable in, a certain language and culture will not only create a different mental image and affect the translation accuracy, but may well promote different narratives as well. Keywords: Arabic-English Translation, Attention, Causation, Image, Narrative, Paradigm, Intention, Semiotics, Sign & Syntagm.