Terminology and translation in Arabic

Much of scientific and technical terminology is developed outside of the Arabic world. Therefore, translation, in all its various aspects, seems to be the only means of creating terminology in Arabic. Borrowings, derivations and semantic transfers are used by terminologists and translators, as each Arabic translator is also, by desire or by necessity, a terminologist. Consequently, Western terminological problems are rampant in Arabic. There are three reasons for the major shortcomings that characterize terminology in Arabic translations: (1) Western is consider terminology as an ideal terminology with a one-to-one relation between concept and term, (2) the linguistic aspect is considered as a priority because term is confused with concept, and (3) the terms in bilingual lists are considered as static units which are cut from the textual canvas in which they are used. Consequently, many translated texts are illegible or difficult to digest. There is an abundance of foreign terms and terms coined by individuals. Translation seems to be a mere transcoding operation.

Published online: 29 January 2019
https://doi.org/10.1075/hot.2.04ham