Contextual Equivalence in Arabic-Persian Translation: A pragmatic approach

Abstract

Translation, as a complex process, requires a comprehensive knowledge of both source and target languages. Understanding language through formalist linguistics and semantics in traditional or modern approach is a necessary but not sufficient condition. In this regard, functional linguistics, besides formalist linguistics, may be helpful. Functional approach defines language as a discourse, not a text. Knowledge of non-linguistic context especially the situational kind from a pragmatic angle provides a further and deeper understanding of language for the translator. With the knowledge of situational context of the source language, the translator can turn such a context into an appropriate style and vocabulary in the target language; and finally, the translator, as the creator of a new text and sender of message, would reach a translational equivalence. In the present paper the researcher has tried to investigate Arabic into Persian translation utilizing a pragmatic approach. To this end, the given example sentences are more of pedagogical value and the problem was addressed practically. Finally it was concluded that the traditional approach (formalist) compels the translator to adopt a minimalist approach and be confined in the text. It in turn stops him/her to understand and transfer the source message fully while in discourse approach, extra-textual aspects of the message are also transferable.

Keywords

• situational context
• pragmatics
• translation
• translator
• arabic