Componential Analysis of Two English Translations of Surat Maryam: (A Contrastive Study)

Abstract

This thesis is a contrastive linguistic study of two different translations of Surat Maryam (Surah no.19 in the Glorious Qur'an). The applied part of the study is based on Componential Analysis Theory advocated by Katz and Fodor (1963) Aim of the Study: It aims at finding out whether the translators are accurate in their lexical choices or not, a fact that affects the understanding of the non-Arabic speaking readers of the Glorious Qur'an. This research studies two different translations of the Qur'an done by Abdullah Yousuf Ali and Al- Hilali-Khan (Muhammad Muhsin Khan, and Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al- Hilali). Those translators are chosen as they represent different nationalities. The study begins by looking up the denotative and connotative meanings of the words that are translated differently. First, the study shows the denotative meaning of the word in the Arabic text, depending most probably on Al-Waseet Dictionary, and then shows its connotative meaning in the minds of the Arabic readers. Then, it decomposes it into its lexical features using the Componential Analysis Theory advocated by Katz and Fodor (1963). Second, it shows the denotative meanings of the translations of the same word in the two translations, in addition to their connotative meanings, and also decomposes each of them into its lexical features, depending on the same Theory used with the Arabic word. Finally, a contrast of the lexical features of every English word with that of the Arabic is done to show the most accurate choice. 2 It is worth mentioning, however, that verse translations will be examined separately, but the difference in lexical choice will be shown and the Componential Analysis of this difference will be applied to get the most accurate translation. Significance of the Study: Indeed, the field of Islamic studies is nowadays receiving great interest from researchers all over the world, whether Muslims or not. The Glorious Qur'an has different translations in many languages. Translation of the Glorious Qur'an is an interpretation of the meanings of the holy book of Islam into different languages other than Arabic. Actually, the Glorious Qur'an has been translated into most of the African, Asian and European languages. There are many translations into the same language. Generally, the translation of the Glorious Qur'an has always been a problematic and difficult issue in Islamic theology. Indeed, the reason for this is the fact that Muslims consider the Glorious Qur'anic text a miracle that can hardly be reproduced in another language. However, making an accurate translation of this text is very difficult, due to the range of meanings of every word depending on the context. According to Muslims, the Glorious Qur'an is revelation very specifically in Arabic and should only be recited in Arabic. They always think that translation is a kind of human work that can never possess the sacred character of the Arabic language. From their point of view, the translation into any language must change the meaning, That is why they called it either "interpretation of the Glorious Qur'an" or "translations of the meanings of the Glorious Qur'an". 3 That is why lexical analysis of the Glorious Qur'an requires a minute and careful analysis and deep investigation, into the general cultural