A Comparative Analysis of The Translation Strategies of Proverbs and Idiomatic Expressions in Two Arabic Versions of To Kill a Mockingbird By Harper Lee رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the translation of idioms and proverbs in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird through a comparison of two Arabic translations by Tawfeeq Al-Asadi and Dr. Mohammad Issam. The analysis follows Mona Baker’s (2018) model for classifying idiom translation strategies and Peter Newmark’s (1988) framework for analyzing the translation of proverbs. A qualitative content analysis approach was employed, focusing on identifying the most frequently used strategies in both translations. The results revealed that paraphrasing and literal translation were the most common strategies for rendering idioms. In contrast, communicative translation, faithful translation, and semantic translation were the predominant approaches used for proverbs. However, the study also identified several issues arising from these translations, including neglect of the cultural dimension due to overreliance on literal translation, superficial rendering, diminished translation quality, and reduced symbolic impact. The study recommends that translators receive training in handling proverbs and idiomatic expressions as cultural units that carry symbolic and emotional connotations, rather than treating them as mere linguistic structures. Such an approach can ensure a smoother and more effective translation experience for the Arabic reader