Socio-pragmatic analysis of utterances with polite addressing terms: translation shift across Arabic-English cultures

Abstract

This study delves into cross-cultural translation, specifically utterances including politeness addressing markers in Arabic-English translation through a sociopragmatic lens. By employing a qualitative research design, the study thoroughly examines Naguib Mahfouz’s ‘Midaq Alley’ using Spradley’s ethnographic analysis method, which encompasses domain analysis, taxonomy analysis, componential analysis, and cultural theme analysis. The findings of this investigation bring to light the utmost significance of socio-cultural norms, context, and power dynamics in selecting appropriate politeness expressions, emphasizing the need for a deep understanding of both languages and cultures to maintain accuracy and cultural resonance in translations. Ultimately, this study equips translators with essential tools to effectively bridge cross-cultural politeness differences, contributing to the advancement of translation theory by shedding light on the intricate nature of cross-cultural communication within a concise framework.