COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF INTERPERSONAL MOOD AND CULTURAL-LINGUISTIC VARIATION IN TWO ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF THE QUR’ANIC NUH STORY

Abstract

Thi study addresses the challenges of conveying the rich meaning of the Qur'an across languages, specifically focusing on the interpersonal dynamics in English translations of the Qur'anic Nuh story. The Qur'an, originally in Classical Arabic, presents linguistic and cultural complexities in translation that shape its message. This research comparatively examines two prominent English translations: The Holy Qur’an by Abdullah Yusuf Ali (hereafter referred to as T1) and The Noble Qur’an by Al-Hilali and Khan (hereafter referred to as T2). Using Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to analyze mood structures, complemented by Skopos Theory to contextualize translation choices, the study aims to understand how interpersonal meaning is constructed in these versions. The four main objectives are: (1) to identify mood structures and their associated domain acts, (2) to investigate linguistic similarities and differences in interpersonal mood, (3) to analyze how translators' mood choices reflect different translation strategies and priorities, and (4) to explain how cultural and linguistic factors influence interpersonal mood realization. Employing qualitative document analysis, relevant passages were analyzed. The declarative mood dominates i both translations (around 72% of clauses), reinforcing the authoritative tone. However, imperative and interrogative mood usage varies, with Yusuf Ali employing more rhetorical expressions and Al-Hilali & Khan being more direct. These variations signify distinct translation strategies, reflecting different cultural and ideological priorities. The findings highlight the critical interplay of language, culture, and translation in religious texts. This provides valuable insights for linguistics, translation studies, and Qur'anic discourse analysis by underscoring the importance of contextual considerations in translating sacred texts.