Translating poetry : problems and solutions

Abstract EN

Harga Waktu is one of the most valuable poetic works in modern Islamic poetry.

In its sixty five verses, the Bruneian poet,Pengiran Mohammad, depicts his homeland through its past and present history.

Meantime, he expresses many Islamic ideas and conceptions about poetry, music, art, knowledge, work, and modern civilization.

This anthology, with its five themes, namely, religion ,society, homeland, politics and history, stems from the poet’s deep love of Allah, the prophet, his homeland, his king and all Muslims.

It also expresses the writer’s appreciation for art, science and culture in general, and for the art of poetry which he considers ”the trustworthiness of the prophet”, in particular .The poet’s religious and patriotic sentiments are mixed with both thought and philosophy.

The poet, as specialist in religion and history, sees Waktu as synonym of time, homeland and history altogether.

He mixes history with both religion and philosophy.

He also employs his poetic talent in directing his country men along with the rising generation to stick to takwa and religion, and to recognize the value of time in order to further build their country and to acquire the contentment of Allah and the pleasure of the hereafter as well.

In this paper, the present writer relates his personal experience in translating this significant Malay anthology into Arabic.

He also highlights the main linguistic and cultural problems that he encountered in his translation and the solutions he offered to overcome them