Rendering Translation Studies Terminology from English into Arabic: Identification of Methodology and Assessment of Adequacy

Abstract

This study examines the translation methodology used in rendering Translation Studies (TS) terminology from English into Arabic as a key factor for the development of Arabic Translation Studies. The study is based on the investigation of Arabic translations of seven English TS works. The study aims to identify the translation techniques used in translating terms in context, and to evaluate the adequacy of the translation equivalents produced by those techniques in terms of achieving denotative precision and conciseness. The findings indicate that ten techniques are used, with calque, glossing and the use of an existing equivalent being the most common. The equivalents produced by the ten techniques vary in their adequacy for maintaining contextual meaning and achieving conciseness. The findings show that the most appropriate equivalents are those produced by calque and the use of an established equivalent. The study shows a clear lack of agreement and coordination among Arab translators in using existing translation equivalents and/or creating new ones, thus adding to the current terminological chaos in Arabic Translation Studies which is already lagging behind rapid developments of the discipline in other languages.