The Language Choice as A Reflection of Islamic Communication in The Quran-Japanese Translation

Abstract

Ittishâl in Arabic language means message connectivity within a communication process. In Islam, a communication process requires the precision of language users in choosing a language. Language choice in Islamic communication aims at maintaining a positive relationship among humans (hablumminannâs), and humans’ sincere love to God (hablumminallâh). This qualitative research which data source is from surah An-Nisâʼ discusses how the Quran translated into Japanese language distinguishes language choices for humans (as God Servants) and those intended to praise God. There are noun word choices for God which are initiated with the kanji marker go/o (御) and not found in those referring to humans. Furthermore, there are respectful verbs (songkeigo) to praise the God’s actions, yet not for humans’. These language choice’s differences are intended to educate humans not to be arrogant or to always be humble because only God is the Sublime. The other objective is as the communication guidance in Islam, especially in performing prayers to always use polite languages to praise God that a sincere love will be created from the servants to the God.