Subject: Advanced Islamic Studies (801)

Topic: Translation

Teacher: Prof DR. Matloob Ahmed

Ph. D Islamic Studies 1st semester Spring2024

Department of Arabic & Islamic Studies

The University of Faisalabad
Definition of Translation:
According to Dr. Montasser M.A. Mahmoud, assistant Prof. Al Imam Mohamed bin Saud
University,
“The process of turning an original or ‘source’ text into a text in another language”
Newmark indicates that translation is
“rendering the meaning of a text into another language in the way that the author
intended the text.”
Nida and Taber, on the other hand, state that,
“translation consists in reproducing in the receptor language the closest natural
equivalent of the source language message.”
Hatim and Munday define translation as,
“the process of transferring a written text from source language (SL) to target language
(TL)”

Bell views translation,

“as the replacement of a text in other language by an equivalent text in the another
language.”

Style of Translation:
There are many styles of translation but few are following here:

Intra lingual translation

Inter lingual translation

Inter semiotic translation

 A- Intra lingual translation:
Intra lingual translation or rewording is an interpretation of verbal signs by means of
other signs of the same language. It means:
“to put meaning in different words.”
Example: Intra lingual translation occurs when we produce a summary or otherwise
rewrite a text in same language, say a children’s version of an encyclopedia.
Just like:

Original Sentence: "The algorithm utilizes a convolutional neural network to perform

image recognition tasks."

Intra-Lingual Translation: "The program uses an advanced computer system to

identify images."

Original Statement (in a physics textbook): "The theory of relativity posits that time is
relative to the observer's frame of reference."

Intra-Lingual Translation (simplified version): "According to the theory of relativity,

time can change based on how you look at it."

B-Inter lingual translation:

Translation from one language another, and inter lingual transition or translation proper
is an interpretation of verbal signs by meaning of some other language.

Example: inter lingual translation would be the translation of,

Arabic Urdu

Urdu Arabic

English Urdu

Arabic English

Arabic to Urdu:

‫ٱَّلل أَحَد‬
ُ ‫قُ ْل ه َُو ه‬

‫تعالی ایک (ہی) ہے‬

ٰ ‫آپ کہہ دیجئے کہ وه ہللا‬
Urdu to Arabic: ‫تعالی بے نیاز ہے‬
ٰ ‫ہللا‬

‫ص َم ُد‬
َّ ‫ٱّلل ٱل‬
ُ َّ

English to Urdu:

Allah, the Eternal Refuge.

‫تعالی بے نیاز ہے‬

ٰ ‫ہللا‬

Arabic to English:

‫لَم یَلِد َولَم یُولَد‬

He neither begets nor is born,

C-Inter semiotic translation:

Translation of the verbal sign by a non-verbal sign.

Example:

Music or images. Translation is an interpretation of verbal signs by means of signs of

non-verbal signs systems. As like novel to film or story to play.

Original Text (Language): "The sun was setting behind the mountains, casting a warm
orange glow across the valley."

Inter semiotic Translation (Visual Image): An artist might take this description and
create a painting or drawing that captures the essence of the scene described. They would
use colors, shapes, and composition to convey the same feeling of a setting sun,
mountains, and a warm orange glow.

Original Text (Music): A composer could take the same description and create a musical
piece that evokes the mood and imagery described. They might use instruments,
melodies, and harmonies to express the idea of a sun setting behind mountains and the
warmth of an orange glow.

In both cases, the essence of the original text is translated into a different semiotic system
while maintaining the core meaning and emotional impact.
Types of Translation:

Translation can be broadly classified into two big categories of translation Business
related and Non Business related. However, some kinds of translation sort of overlap
in both categories.

1-Literary Translation:
Literary translation involves transferring the essence, style, and meaning of a piece of
literature from one language to another while maintaining its artistic and cultural integrity.
It requires a deep understanding of both languages, nuances of expression, and the
ability to capture the author's voice and intent. Good literary translators are like bridge
builders, connecting readers across different cultures and languages through the power
of storytelling.

2-Commercial Translation:

Commercial translation refers to the translation of documents, texts, or content that

serves business or commercial purposes. This includes translations of marketing
materials, legal contracts, financial documents, product manuals, and more. The
primary goal of commercial translation is to accurately convey information while
ensuring clarity, consistency, and adherence to industry-specific terminology and
standards. Commercial translators often work with businesses, organizations, and
institutions to facilitate communication and transactions across different languages and
cultures.

3-Legal Translation:
Legal translation involves the conversion of legal documents, contracts, court transcripts,
and other legal materials from one language to another while preserving their legal
accuracy, terminology, and nuances. It requires a deep understanding of legal systems,
terminology, and cultural differences, as even slight mistranslations can have significant
legal consequences. Legal translators must ensure that the translated text is clear,
precise, and legally valid in the target language, helping parties involved in legal matters
to communicate effectively across linguistic barriers.

4-Technical Translation:
Technical translation refers to the translation of specialized texts, documents, manuals,
and content that deal with scientific, engineering, technological, or other complex
subjects. It involves conveying technical information accurately and clearly from one
language to another while maintaining the integrity of terminology, jargon, and technical
specifications. Technical translators need a strong grasp of both the source and target
languages, as well as expertise in the specific subject matter, to ensure that the
translated material is precise, reliable, and comprehensible to the intended audience.
5-Judicial Translation:

Judicial translation involves the translation of legal documents, court proceedings,

judgments, and related materials within the context of legal systems and procedures. It
requires a deep understanding of legal terminology, concepts, and procedures in both the
source and target languages, as well as knowledge of cultural and legal nuances. Judicial
translators play a crucial role in facilitating communication and ensuring accurate
interpretation of legal matters across linguistic barriers in courts, law firms, and other legal
settings.

6-Administrative Translation:

Administrative translation refers to the translation of administrative documents, forms,

correspondence, policies, and procedures from one language to another. It focuses on
accurately conveying information related to administrative tasks, regulations, guidelines,
and protocols while maintaining clarity, consistency, and adherence to organizational
standards. Administrative translators ensure that the translated material is clear,
concise, and appropriate for its intended administrative context, helping organizations
and institutions operate effectively across linguistic boundaries.

7-Medical Translation:

Medical translation involves translating medical documents, reports, records, and other
healthcare-related content from one language to another. It requires a deep
understanding of medical terminology, procedures, and concepts in both the source and
target languages, as well as knowledge of cultural and regional medical practices.
Medical translators ensure accurate and precise translation of medical information while
maintaining confidentiality, compliance with regulatory standards, and clarity for
healthcare professionals and patients.

8-Website Translation:
Website translation involves converting the content of a website from one language to
another, making it accessible and comprehensible to a multilingual audience. It includes
translating web pages, menus, navigation elements, product descriptions, and other
website components while preserving the layout, design, and functionality. Website
translators consider cultural nuances, search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, and
user experience to ensure that the translated website effectively communicates the
intended message and engages users across different linguistic backgrounds.
9-Finacial Translation:

Financial translation refers to the translation of financial documents, reports, statements,

contracts, and other materials related to the financial sector from one language to
another. It requires expertise in financial terminology, accounting principles, regulations,
and industry-specific jargon in both the source and target languages. Financial translators
ensure accurate and precise translation of financial information while maintaining
consistency, compliance with standards, and clarity for stakeholders such as investors,
regulators, and financial professionals.

Characteristics of Translation:
Translators often worry about their skills as professional translators and ask themselves
“What is a good translation?”
Here are five signs of what could be termed a good translation.

1-Accurate:
Accuracy means that the target text ( or the final translation) should convey the same
meaning as the source text.

2-Clear:
A good translator usually clarifies a poor original project.

3-Seem Natural:
One of the qualities of a good translation is to make sure that he or she read through
what has been translated serval times afterwards.

4-Having Cultural Etiquettes:

One of the characteristics of a good translation that make the translator stand out from
the beginner is the ability to adapt the translation to the people who are going to read it
in light of cultural etiquettes.

5-Understandable:
The translated material must be in the form of understandable text.
Qualities of good Translator:
When asking what makes a good translation, the obvious answer is a good translator!
But what exactly are the characteristics of a good translator?

1. Linguistic expertise:
Proficiency in both the source and target languages.

2. Cultural understanding:
Familiarity with the cultural context and nuances of both languages.

3. Attention to detail:
Careful and precise translation, ensuring accuracy and fidelity to the original text.

4. Clear communication:
Ability to convey complex ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner.

5. Objectivity:
Ability to remain impartial and neutral, avoiding personal biases and interpretations.

6. Flexibility:
Adaptability to different translation styles, genres, and formats.

7. Research skills:
Ability to conduct thorough research and verification of terms and concepts.

8. Creativity:
Ability to find innovative solutions to translation challenges.

9. Collaboration:
Willingness to work with others, including authors, editors, and other translators.

10. Continuous learning:

Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying up-to-date with language
and cultural trends.

11. Technical knowledge:

Familiarity with specialized terminology and concepts in various fields (e.g., legal,
medical, technical).

12. Time management:

Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

13. Organization:
Skill in prioritizing tasks and maintaining a systematic workflow.
 14. Analytical thinking:
Ability to analyze complex texts, identify nuances, and make informed translation
decisions.
15. Creativity in terminology:
Ability to find equivalent terms and expressions in the target language.

16. Understanding of idiomatic expressions:

Familiarity with idioms, colloquialisms, and figurative language.

17. Knowledge of translation tools and software:

Proficiency in using CAT tools, translation memory software, and other technologies.
18. Quality control:
Attention to detail and thoroughness in reviewing and editing translations.

19. Communication with clients:

Ability to understand client needs, ask clarifying questions, and provide clear
explanations.

20. Continuous professional development:

Commitment to staying updated on language trends, best practices, and industry
developments.

These qualities highlight the importance of technical expertise, time management, and
analytical thinking in translation work, as well as the need for effective communication
and continuous learning.