The Challenges Faced by Saudi Translators When They Translate a Human Development Text from English into Arabic; Foreignization and Domestication

Abstract

The dissertation deals with the best strategy between domestication and foreignization for translating human development texts as well as being useful and suitable for the culture, custom and religion of target audiences (Saudi audience). The aim of my dissertation is to explore these problems and difficulties faced by Saudi translators in the field of human development texts. In addition, readers’ opinions have been sought to determine what they perceive as the best strategy in these translations. In order to answer this question, my case study involves the translation of two chapters of What to Say When You Talk to Yourself, a 1986 human development text by Dr Shad Helmsetter. The main question addressed in the dissertation is: Between foreignization and domestication strategies, which one would lead to the best, most correct and most acceptable/appropriate translation? I have therefore translated each chapter following these two strategies with the aim of helping Saudi translators to overcome some of the obstacles and problems faced in this field. It has therefore been necessary to collect readers’ responses to my two translations to determine which approach they prefer. In this way, I aim to propose translation solutions that can satisfy those Saudi readers who do not, will not and/or refuse to read these books because of the way in which they have been seen to have contravened Saudi culture and religion. Therefore, my dissertation sheds light on how ‘foreignizing’ and ‘domesticating’ strategies could help or hinder Saudi translators.