Impact of semantic loss in the Holy Quran with reference to Yusuf Ali's and Pickthall's translations of al-Nur Surah

Abstract EN

This study aimed to identify the impact of semantic loss in Ali's and Pickthall's translations by analyzing 15 cultural specific terms (CSTs) from Al-Nur Surah in the Holy Quran.

It also investigated the causes behind this loss.

The study also attempted to investigate to what extent Ali and Pickthall had succeeded in achieving cultural equivalence in translating the 15 CSTs.

For the purpose of the study, the comparative textual analysis method was used as the main data instrument to answer the research questions.

Results showed that there are some causes for semantic loss in Ali's and Pickthall's translations.

For example, semantic loss in Ali’s translation accounts for 40%, while Pickthall’s semantic loss accounts for 53.33%.

In addition, results of the study showed some causes for semantic loss in Ali’s and Pickthall’s translations including culturally bound terms, and lack of knowledge of Arabic metaphorical expressions.

The researchers recommended that translators of the Holy Quran should be knowledgeable of the Quranic terms since the Holy Quran is a genre which has specific beliefs, manners and cultural aspects.

In addition, translators should depend on exegesis books to know the reasons of revelation.