Semantic problems in usama Dakdok's English translation of the meanings of the noble Qur'ān

Abstract EN

The present paper focuses on the analysis of semantic problems in Usama Dakdok's English translation of the meanings of the Noble Qur'ān.

The study aims at identifying semantic problems in Dakdok's translation, the strategies and techniques adopted by Dakdok to solve such problems, the reasons behind such problem, and the potential influence of Dakdok's translation on the target readers.

To achieve these aims, the present study attempts to answer the following questions: What are the semantic problems found in Dakdok's English translation of the meanings of the Noble Qur'ān? What are the reasons behind these problems? In what way do these problems lead to misrepresentation and distortion of the meanings of the Noble Qur'ān? The present study adopts an eclectic critical approach.

It draws on the models of Katharina Reiss and Peter Newmark of translation criticism.

The study concludes that semantic problems in Dakdok's translation are classified into polysemy, idioms, collocations, and the falsely-claimed meaningless words.

Dakdok employs the technique of literal translation in rendering polysemy, idioms, and collocations resulting in awkward and problematic translation.

In addition, he employs the techniques of transliteration and footnote in dealing with the falsely-claimed meaningless words.

All these problems negatively affect the target readers' understanding of the meanings and message of the Noble Qur'ān.