A reader response study of different translations of Surat-at-Taqwir

Abstract EN

The current study investigates non-Arab reader's response for different translations of the Glorious Quran.

For Iser, meaning (i.

e.

aesthetic response) is constructed according to the interaction between a text and a reader.

Iser argues that a text produces its meaning through its interaction with reader's mind and attitudes.

Surat-At-Taqwir has been chosen as a recognized sample.

Different translators have been chosen to confirm variations in their cultural backgrounds.

The informant's responses for the translations are analysed to obtain data.

A quantitative questionnaire is approached to investigate the validity of the hypothesis.

The informants (from eight countries) show their responses with respect to the question involved in the questionnaire.

Out of the present study, it is noted that readers tended to choose a text that shares the same cultural backgrounds with them.

In other words, non-Arab readers' beliefs, attitudes and experiences influence their choices for the acceptable text.