The Difficulties in Translating Culture-Specific Expressions from Arabic into English

Abstract

This paper examines the problems faced by undergraduate students in Jordan majoring in translation when translating culture-specific expressions from the Arabic language into the English language. To attain this aim, 11 B.A translation students were given twenty cultural expressions to translate them from Arabic into English. These expressions were taken from volume two of the Jordanian Arabic novel “Mudun al-milh” (Cities of Salt) by Dr. A Munif. The findings show that the participants encounter various types of problems when translating these expressions. These problems are frequently related to; 1. unsuccessful attempts to attain the equivalent in the English language, and 2. inadequate knowledge in translation techniques and translation strategies. This study concludes with some recommendations, including providing at least two courses that deal with cultural differences, cultural awareness, and cultural knowledge, particularly in the academic programs that qualify translators.

Keywords: Mudun al-milh, difficulties, cultural specific expressions, Arabic-English translation

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-9-09

Publication date:March 31^st 2019