A Corpus-Based Comparative Analysis of Explicitation and Implicitation in the Translation of Prophet Names in the Quran
The translation of religious writings necessitates a careful equilibrium between language accuracy and cultural comprehensibility. The depiction of the names of the Prophet in the Holy Quran is especially complex due to their deep religious, historical and cultural significance. This study employs a corpus-based comparative approach to check how three major English translations-Lahih International, Yusuf Ali, and Alhilly and Alhilly and Khan-in-in names. Drawing on both quantitative methods (frequency analysis, log-likelihood calculations) and qualitative insights (explicitation and implicitation strategies), the research reveals different patterns in transliteration, cultural adaptation, and supplementary clarifications. Alhilali & Khan frequently pair transliteration with explanatory notes, aiming to preserve Arabic phonetics while guiding readers unfamiliar with Islamic terminology. Sahih is in favor of culturally adapted forms in international English, often involving clear references when the source text indirectly means the name of a prophet. Joseph Ali employs a methodical functioning, including selective translations and anglicized vocabulary, while sometimes involves implications to maintain literary elegance. This emphasizes the background, linguistic rituals of research translations, and targets the concerns of the audience on the results of the Quran translation as analysis through many approaches. Conclusion translates the dialogues required in translation studies, especially on interaction of meaning in texts of adequate cultural and spiritual importance.
Institutions
- Islamic University (BD)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Knowledge Commons (Lakehead University)
- Published
- 2025-04-03
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.17613/avyam-b1g13
- Primary Topic
- Translation Studies and Practices
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00