Coherence-oriented approach to translating Arabic texts Into English

Abstract EN

The research argues that the coherence-oriented approach enables the most intelligible translation of Arabic text into English.

Exploring research on coherence, with a particular focus on coherence shift during the process of translation, the study examines two texts written in Arabic : a poem by Ahmad Muttar (2003: 410) and a literary text by anonymous writer, and their English translations on the micro and macro levels.

Most studies on translation of Arabic literary texts into English focus on vocabulary difficulty or lack of transitional expressions (e.

g.

in addition, besides, finally etc.) or any other linguistic inconsistencies that fail to provide a coherent translation.

As an alternative, this research demonstrates that the text becomes coherent for the translator when he skillfully manipulates/shares the relevant cognitive knowledge structure to infer the meaning of the text.

This study therefore broadens research on translation by exploring the role of the translators experiences in translating the text.