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

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
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

A Corpus-Based Comparative Analysis of Explicitation and Implicitation in the Translation of Prophet Names in the Quran

Knowledge Commons (Lakehead University)
Translation Studies and Practices
article

A Corpus-Based Comparative Analysis of Explicitation and Implicitation in the Translation of Prophet Names in the Quran

article en

Abstract

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.

Knowledge Commons (Lakehead University)
Islamic University (BD)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 52%
Translation Studies and Practices
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

A Corpus-Based Comparative Analysis of Explicitation and Implicitation in the Translation of Prophet Names in the Quran · Knowledge Commons (Lakehead University) (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS