Variation across the Border: Dialectin Arabic/English Translation

Abstract

Translation is a multifaceted process that involves decisions at the phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, pragmatic, and textual levels. This paper examines dialect-related issues, which may involve one or more of these levels, from a translational perspective. It employs Halliday’s (1978) socio-semiotic approach to explore dialect-related features that are of relevance to the process and product of translation. The authentic textual data clearly shows that translators need to be sensitized to both user-related features and use-related features. While the former include dialectal and idiolectal features that may entirely or partially mark a discourse, the latter pertain to register-defining components, namely field, tenor, and mode of discourse. Athough there is a significant connection between these features, the present study focuses exclusively on user-related aspects The translator’s awareness of the various ways people use language to reflect their power, solidarity, status, education, and other aspects of social identity can significantly enhance the quality and naturalness of their translation.