Long Annotated Translation of The Six Pillars of Self-esteem

Abstract

The text about the psychology of self-esteem, which was translated from American English into Arabic, particularly tailored for a Saudi readership, presented several challenges that ranged from lexical nuances to syntactical and textual challenges. At the lexical level, the complexities encountered come primarily from the need to address culture- specific items. For instance, terms such as "Automate," "Feedback," and "Computer" are not just simple words but loaded with cultural and technological significance. Their direct translation could potentially mislead or confuse a Saudi reader unfamiliar with the depth or context these terms carry in American English. The challenge was augmented when dealing with idioms, linguistic constructions with specific cultural connotations that may not have direct equivalents in Arabic. At the syntactical level, the aim was not merely to find the closest structural match. Instead, it was to evoke the same feelings and impact that the source text aimed to convey. This meant sometimes deviating from conventional Arabic syntax, a move that, although risky, was necessary to maintain the integrity and emotional resonance of the original text. The translation's textual level poses its own challenges, especially when addressing ambiguity and cohesion. A text's cohesive flow is crucial to ensure that the reader remains engaged and comprehends the content seamlessly. In addition, avoiding ambiguities was essential to ensure that the translated content retained its clarity and did not misinform or mislead the reader. To navigate these challenges, the translator applied some translation techniques. Vinay and Darbelnet (1995) used the literal translation technique wherever appropriate, translation by addition. The explicitation technique was another method used to facilitate reader comprehension. In cases where specific terms or concepts did not have direct Arabic equivalents, the translator applied the borrowing technique. Also, the adaptation technique was applied when cultural references in the original text had no meaning or relevance for Saudi readers. Furthermore, the equivalent technique was employed to find culturally relevant terms or phrases that conveyed the same message or emotion as the original text (Vinay and Darbelnet, 1995). Nida’s (1964) concept of dynamic equivalence was applied to ensure that the translated text resonated emotionally and contextually with the Saudi readership in the same manner as the original did with its audience. Finally, the translation process was a nuanced journey that required careful consideration of linguistic and cultural contexts. Through the careful use of various translation techniques, the translator aimed to offer a version of the text that was not just linguistically accurate but also culturally resonant and emotionally impactful for Saudi readers.