Advances in Language and Literary Studies - Complications of Translating the Meanings of the Holy Qur’an at Word Level in the English Language in Relation to Frame Semantic Theory

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Cipher

This study investigates translation problems caused by lexical choice when translating the Holy Qur’an, highlighting the role of Frame Semantics in the translation process. The research measures conceptual differences between Arabic and English by selecting two Qur’anic words and analyzing how different English frames affect translation choices. It also examines strategies translators use to avoid these frame effects and evaluates whether linguistic background or cultural knowledge influences outcomes most. Data analysis indicates linguistic background contributes more than cultural knowledge, with Yusuf Ali ranking first and Pickthall second.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Article info

Abstract

Introduction

The context of the problem

Aim of the study

Objectives of the study

Hypotheses

Advances in Language and Literary Studies ISSN: 2203-4714 [www.alls.aiac.org.au](www.alls.aiac.org.au) | Complications of Translating the Meanings ofthe Holy Qur’an at Word Level in the English Language in Relation to Frame Semantic Theory
Asjad Ahmed Saeed Balla1, Ahmed Gumaa Siddiek2*
1Al-Aflaj-Prince Sattam University, KSA and Gadarif University, Sudan 2Al-ZaeemAl-Azhari University, Sudan and Shaqra University, KSA Corresponding Author: Ahmed Gumaa Siddiek, E-mail: [ssiddiekk@gmail.com](ssiddiekk@gmail.com) | | | --- | --- | | ARTICLE INFO | ABSTRACT
The present study is an attempt to investigate the problems resulting from the lexical choice in the translation of the Holy Qur’an to emphasize the importance of the theory of“Frame Semantics”in the translation process. It has been conducted with the aim of measuring the difference in concept between the two languages Arabic and English. In order to find out this difference two words have been chosen from the Qur’an to see how the different English frames can affect the translation of the Holy Qur’an. In addition to that the paper aims to reveal the strategies used by translators to avoid such effect. We also intended to see which factors that can mostly affect the translation of the Qur’an: the linguistic background or the cultural knowledge. Four hypotheses were coined to deal with the difference in frame knowledge (conception) between Arabic and English. The analysis of the data showed that the linguistic background contributed more to the translators’ability than the cultural knowledge. A rank ordering for the five translations performed in the present study resulted in that the first rank (completely appropriate) was assigned to Yusuf Ali’s translation and the second position was booked by Pickthall’s translation. | | Article history
Received: July 08, 2017
Accepted: October 05, 2017
Published: October 31, 2017
Volume: 8 Issue: 5
Advance access: October 2017 | | | Conflicts of interest: None
Funding: None | | | Key words:
Quran,
Islam,
Translation,
Lexical Choice, Cultural Background, Linguistic Background | | INTRODUCTION The Context of the Problem The need for the interpretation and the translation of the meanings of the Qur’an was a natural result of the widespread of Islam all over the world. The translation of the Qur’an into English in particular, is regarded important, as English has become a universal means of communication, as well a medium of instructions in many educational environments. The need for the translation and interpretation of the Qur’an is not a recent need or a recent practice. It dated back to the early time of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) when his companion asked about the meanings of some words and verses ofthe Holy Book. The importance of translating the meanings of the Holy Qur’an comes from the fact that the Qur’an is the source of Islam that spread out all over the world and it is truly a divine book full of wisdom, teaching and great values. The need for understanding the Qur’an and Islam at the present time resulted from the conflict between Islamic Faith and other religions. There are two views of Islamic scholars about the translation of the Qur’an. The first group think that the Qur’an is untranslatable, while the second believes that the translation should not be literal translation of the Verses. It should focus on translating the meaning of the text or the concept intended by the specific verse. Therefore the translation – in this case – will be seen as some sort of explanation or interpretation (Tafseer: تفسير) of the Quranic Text. Aim of the Study The present study is an attempt to investigate some lexical problems that come up due to inappropriate lexical choice in the translations of the Qur’an according to the frame semantics theory as one good way to achieve better translation. The study tries to discover the differences between Arabic and English languages a

FAQs

What problem does the study focus on in Qur’an translation?

It focuses on problems arising from lexical choice in translating the Holy Qur’an, emphasizing how Frame Semantics affects translation at the word level.

How does the study measure differences between Arabic and English?

It selects two words from the Qur’an and evaluates how different English frames influence the translations of those meanings.

Which factor influences translators’ ability more: linguistic background or cultural knowledge?

The analysis shows linguistic background contributes more to translators’ ability than cultural knowledge.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Cipher