Fundamentals of Arabic
Arabic calligraphy is a highly regarded element of Middle Eastern art.
By Adhid Miri, PhD
The Arabic language is considered one of the most elegant, pure forms of language in modern literature. With its rhythm and precision, it is the cornerstone of poetry and expression. What many people don’t know is that, although it is the language of prayer, recitation and poetry throughout the Islamic world, the Arabic language predates Islam. Its different dialects are spoken by around 422 million speakers, making it one of the top five most spoken languages in the world.
The Arabic lexicon is extensive, with over 12 million distinct words; the Oxford English Dictionary has only around 170,000. For example, Arabic has 23 different words that mean “love.” Choosing the correct word to use might depend on the stage or strength of the love and whether it is familial love, adoration, sincere affection, infatuation, burning desire, or any of the multitude of feelings in between.
The Arabic alphabet has 28 letters, all consonants; however, three of those characters may be used to make a long vowel sound in certain contexts. Letters change shape depending on their placement in a sentence – they look different if they appear at the beginning, middle, or end.
There are no capital letters in Arabic. It is a cursive script, and the letters are joined with connecting strokes. Unlike English, it is read right to left and everything sounds like it is spelled. There is no neuter form, nouns are either masculine or feminine. And there is no format for abbreviations, which makes translation work difficult.
Translation Challenges
Arabic is a figurative, poetic language, often written with long sentences and filled with literary devices such as metaphor, figure of speech, allegory, and simile – all of which are also difficult to translate. Accordingly, and unfortunately too much Arabic poetry is waiting to be translated into English.
Translation between English and Arabic is not always straightforward. This can result in some ambiguity and presents challenges in preserving both style and tone and avoiding multiple interpretations of the same text.
Many Arabic letters, words, and expressions have no direct English counterpart. The alphabet itself even includes some sounds that do not have direct correlations in the English language. For example, the sound of the letter ‘’ is thought to be unique to Arabic. In such cases, translators may need to combine English letters to attempt to create an equivalent sound.
Given the lexical ambiguity and figurative nature of the Arabic language, translation between Arabic and English is not literal. To thoroughly understand the context of the text and capture the nuance of the language, translators must be an expert in the target language and highly proficient in the source language.
The Arabic language stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of human expression, steeped in history, culture, and tradition. Its intricate grammar, nuanced semantics, and diverse dialects present formidable challenges for translation into English or any other language. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities for discovery, understanding, and appreciation of the depth and beauty inherent in Arabic literature, poetry, and everyday discourse.
While the task may be daunting, it is also deeply rewarding. Through the act of translation, we not only convey words but also transmit ideas, emotions, and cultural nuances across linguistic boundaries. It is in this exchange that the true magic of language reveals itself, fostering connections, fostering understanding, and enriching the tapestry of human experience.