Translation and Equivalence of Proverbs that are Rooted in Arabic Culture for the Second-Generation Arabs in the Anglophone World

Abstract

Arabic proverbs, steeped in Arabic culture, have traditionally been translated into English by using the equivalence approach. However, this could lead to losses in connotation or intertextuality, which draw on the collective wisdom of the Arabic community, leaving the target audience isolated rather than exposed to Arabic culture. This study adopts a qualitative methodology. It examines existing translations of selected Arabic proverbs that are rooted in Arabic culture which highlight the cultural linguistics gap that impedes the conveyance of the true meaning of these proverbs into English. Therefore, this study proposes the translation of selected Arabic proverbs by focusing on intertextuality instead of equivalence. These translations are developed by adopting a translation approach combining connotation, intertextuality and thick translation (employed for conveying the collective wisdom of SL culture into TT). Indeed, the proposed translation of these Arabic proverbs is a commentary or literary text, rather than a proverb, which can maintain connotation, intertextuality and collective wisdom and further convey the real meaning of these features by using paratextual devices and an introductory essay about the proverb. The overarching aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Arabic proverbs for second-generation Arabs in the Anglophone world by focusing on intertextuality instead of equivalence in the translation of selected Arabic proverbs into English, so that they are exposed to Arabic culture rather than remaining isolated from it. This study may encourage future Arabic translators to promote different reading experiences when translating Arabic proverbs into English by focusing on intertextuality.