Evaluation of the translation of Qur'anic metaphors on the subject of resurrection based on Newmark theory (first half of the Qur'an)

Abstract

One of the challenges of translation, especially about Qur'an, is to translate metaphorical phrases. This matter requires special precision and delicacy and is one of the topics that has attracted the attention of theorists such as Peter Newmark. Newmark introduces seven strategies for translating metaphors that can be used to translate metaphorical images into the target language. In the light of Newmark's theory and with a critical analytical method, the present study critiques the methods of translating metaphorical images of doomsday scenes in the Qur'an and while explaining the methods of transmitting metaphorical interpretations, has evaluated the performance of four Persian translations "Makarem Shirazi", "Fooladvand", "Ansarian" and "Garmaroodi" in the first fifteen parts of the Qur'an. this study reviewed the translation of 14 samples out of 21 metaphors related to the Day of Judgment, which was the point of disagreement between the mentioned translators. The results show that all four translators have used the methods proposed in Newmark theory to different proportions. The translation of Makarem Shirazi and Fooladvand is based more on the semantic and literal method and the translation of Ansarian and Garmaroodi is more on the equivalent method and interpretive additions. Although these translators have used less equivalent metaphorical interpretations, Ansarians have used metaphorical equivalents more than others.