Methods for Translating Metaphors in the Qur’an into English and Russian

The article is devoted to a comparative analysis of four translations of one Quranic metaphor made by M.M. Pickthall, A.Y. Ali, Abu Adel and E.R. Kuliyev, with a special emphasis on the metaphor « waishtaAAala alrrasu shayban » « ». (Surah 19:4) This study aims to analyze the difficulties faced by translators in ensuring the intercultural equivalence of texts, as well as a comparative study of figurative linguistic means (metaphors, idioms, symbols) in Arabic, Russian and English. The main focus is on identifying linguistic and cultural barriers that prevent the adequate transmission of meaning, and comparing the mechanisms of adaptation of imagery in the context of interlanguage interaction. The work is aimed at systematizing the factors influencing the translation strategy when working with texts deeply rooted in the specifics of cultural codes.

The purpose of the study is to identify methods for overcoming key difficulties encountered in translating texts in the context of intercultural differences, as well as a comparative analysis of figurative structures (metaphors, idioms, culturally specific symbols) in Arabic, Russian and English. The emphasis is on the study of linguistic mechanisms that make it possible to preserve semantic and cultural adequacy in the transfer of imagery between languages.

The work involves the classification of translation strategies aimed at eliminating interlanguage imbalances and identifying patterns in the use of figurative means within the framework of the compared linguistic cultures.

Materials and methods of research. The study used the authentic text of the Quran in Arabic as a source material, as well as its translations into English (M.M. Pickthall , A. Y. Ali, Abu Adel) and Russian (E.R.Kuliyev) languages. The methodological base included:

1. theoretical analysis of the concepts of translation of sacred texts;
2. descriptive method for recording the linguistic features of the original and translati ons;
3. A comparative typological approach to identifying structural and semantic discrepancies in the transmission of figurative elements (metaphors, symbols, cultural connotations). The use of parallel text analysis has made it possible to systematize strategies for adapting culturally deter- mined meanings within the framework of interlanguage communication. The combination of theoretical, methodological and empirical blocks provided a comprehensive study of the linguistic and cultural transformation of the text in translation.

The result of the study was the classification of translations of the Quranic metaphor « waishtaAAala alrrasu shayban » « » into Russian and English. This classification is based on the methods of metaphor translation proposed by P. Newmark, which were used by translators in the course of their work.

The scope of application. The results obtained can be useful for specialists in such fields as theory and practice of translation, intercultural communication, stylistics, textual interpretation, linguoculturology and axiological linguistics.

1. Al-Zamakhshari J. (Al-Kashaf An Haqa'iq Al-Tanzil wa Ayun Al-Aqwal fi Wujuh Al-Tafsil), Dar Al-Ma'rifa, Beirut. Available from: https://www.islamweb.net/ar/library/content/204/1344/ [accessed 15.12.2024].

2. Abdullah Yusuf Ali. The Meaning of the Glorious Qur’an. Available from: https://quranopedia.com/quran/19vs4 [accessed: 12.14.2024].

3. Akhmanova O.S. Dictionary of Linguistic Terms. Moscow: Editorial URSS; 2004. 576 p.

4. Misyura V.A. The Treatise of Al-Suyuti about the Order of Surahs in the Quran. Minbar. Islamic Studies. 2021;14(1):152–163.

5. Gilemshina A.G. The Peculiarities of Expressive Vocabulary in Various Translations of the Quran. Kazan State University Scientific Notes. Series: Humanities. 2007;149(4):70–75.

6. Abu Adel. Translation of the meaning of the verses and their brief interpretation. Available from: https://ru.quranacademy.org/quran/19:4 [accessed: 12/14/2024].

7. Nasir Al-Sa'di. Taysir Al-Karim Al-Rahman fi Tafsir Kalam Al-Manan. Beirut; 1417. pp. 815–816.

8. Pickthall M.M. The Meanings of the Glorious Qur'an. Available from: https://quranopedia.com/quran/19vs4 [accessed: 15.12.2024].

9. Kuliev E.R. Translation of the Sacred Quran into Russian. Available from: https://ru.quranacademy.org/quran/19:4 [accessed: 12/14/2024].

10. Shikalov S.V. Methods of Translating Metaphors in the Concept of Peter Newmark. Bulletin of Moscow State Linguistic University. 2010;9(588):156–162.

11. Galperin I.R. Text as an Object of Linguistic Research. Moscow: Nauka; 1981. 140 p.

12. Najjar I.I. Mode in Arabic-English Translation: with Reference to the Quran. Russian Journal of Linguistics. 2019;23(2):509–522.

13. Pentkovskaya T.V. Russian Translation of the Quran, Printed in 1716: Problems of Studying. Stephanos. 2020;6(44):43–52.

14. Sharipov U.Z. Foreword to the New Translation of the Quran. Historical Psychology and Sociology of History. 2010. Vol. 3. No. 1. pp. 67-82.

15. Al-Sharif Al-Razi, Abu Al-Hasan Muhammad bin Al-Hasan Al-Mousawi. Dr.Muhammad Abduh. Nahj al-Balagha, Beirut: Dar Al-Andalus, 1404/1984. (In Arabic). p. 350.

16. Fatkullina F.G., Wang X. Metaphorical conceptualization of phraseological units about beautiful/healthy women in Chinese and features of their translation into Russian. Kazan Linguistic Journal. 2022;5(4):512–522.