ANALYSIS OF ARABIC TRANSLATION IN FADEL SHAKER POETRY: PERSONIFICATION AND METAPHOR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23969/jp.v11i03.67309Keywords:
Arabic Translation, Figurative Language, Metaphor, Personification, Fadel Shaker, Semantic AnalysisAbstract
This study examines the use of personification and methaphor in the Arabic lyrics of Fadel Shaker’s songs and analyzes how these figurative expressions are translated into English. Figurative language plays a significant role in conveying emotional, cultural, and asthetic meanings in Arabic poetry and song lyrics. However, translating figurative expressions poses considerable challenges because linguistic and cultural differences often lead to semantic shift and loss of stylistic effects. This research aims to identify the forms of personification and metaphor found in selected Arabic lyrics by Fadel Shaker, investigate the translation techniques employed, and evaluate the extent to which the original meanings and artistic values are preserved in the translated version. The study employed a qualitative descriptive approach using semantic and stylistic analysis. Data were collected from selected Arabic song lyrics and their official or widely accepted English translations. The analytical framework was based on theories of figurative language proposed by Lakoff and Johnson, Leech, and Newmark's translation procedures. The findings indicate that metaphor is more frequently used than personification in expressing themes of love, separation, longing, and emotional suffering. Several translation techniques, including literal translation, modulation, and paraphrase, were identified. While literal translation successfully preserves lexical meaning in some cases, it often fails to convey the emotional and cultural nuances embedded in the original Arabic expressions. The study concludes that translating Arabic figurative language requires not only linguistic competence but also cultural sensitivity to maintain semantic equivalence and literary aesthetics.
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