The Translation of (Jadal)Argumentation (Dialectic) Discourse in the Holy Qur’an into English: An Investigation of the Logical Construction of Dialectic in the Source Text

Abstract

The present research seeks to investigate the equivalence of translating argumentative topics, which include the dialectic (controversial) style in the Holy Qur’an. It designs to know how the discourse of the Qur’anic controversy is manifested, based on a set of logical arguments and points of view. The research also aims to find out the extent to which the English translations succeeded in conveying the same dialectical logical structure connotation, taking into account the challenges faced by the translators: Hilali, Khan, and Abdel Haleem in translating the meanings of the Holy Qur’an, especially the dialectic style. Therefore, the translator must strive to convey the dialectical discourse with its stylistic features in terms of clarity, accuracy, and objectivity. The study adopts an eclectic method. It is a combination of a semantic approach, text discussion, analysis, and extracting a suggested translation, with applying the back-translation technique. All of this is in light of an applied approach to examples of the Holy Ayat (verses) for the controversial style. The study concluded that translating of the dialectical style and its links represent a real challenge for translators. So, they must resort to consult exegesis (tafsir), rhetoric books and other Arabic sources, in addition to the translation theories to overcome these challenges. The study recommends that the translator of the meanings of the Holy Qur’an must be familiar with the sciences of the Holy Qur’an and the Arabic language, such as interpretation, rhetoric, etc. The translator also need to seek help from language dictionaries to choose the specific meaning of the dialectical style. Moreover, the translator, before embarking on the translation, must consult scholars and experts when submitting a suggested translation. This suggested translation must be emanating from authentic Islamic visions. This due to verify the intended Qur’anic meaning for argumentative (Al-Hajjaj) dialectical and others rhetorical styles.