Training Translators for a Better Translation of the Meaning of the Qur’anic Text

Abstract

The translation of religious texts, particularly the Holy Qur’an, is one of the most challenging tasks. Despite the experts’ efforts to come out with insightful theories and strategies, the translation of the meanings of the Holy Qur’an is still a difficult task. The present research aimed to reveal the importance of training future translators and experts in the field by offering a 20-hour training program to familiarize a target group with the specificities of Qur’anic Texts and the challenges its translation involves. The study attempted to answer three main research questions related to (i) the specificities of the Qur’anic Text and the main challenges its translation poses; (ii) the quality and value of the training program and its efficiency and (iii) the trainees’ views and evaluations of the training program. The study opted for a mixed approach using a questionnaire and an interview to elicit the trainees’ views about the efficiency of the training program. Eighty participants from three Master’s programs in Islamic studies and translation were involved. The findings revealed that the training was an added value for the trainees who realized that awareness of Arabic rhetoric and Islamic exegetical works is crucial for a faithful translation of the meanings of the Holy Qur’an. Some recommendations were formulated for Master Programs in Islamic studies and translation.