The Multiplicity of Meaning: A Comparative Analysis of Polysemy in Quranic Translation

Abstract

The translation of religious texts poses unique and intricate challenges. This is particularly more apparent when it pertains to capturing the subtle meaning by using suitable equivalence, since one lexical term has various meanings based on its particular context. This study examines the difficulties and consequences of translating these polysemous words from Arabic to English. The data of this study were collected from the Quran, where four verses that contain the terms Fitnah, Ummah, and Huda were chosen because they have different meanings. Employing a qualitative and comparative approach, the research examines the terms Fitnah, Ummah, and Huda within three prominent translations: Marmaduke Pickthall (1930), Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1934), and M.A.S. Abdel Haleem (2004). The results indicate that dependence on "formal equivalence" or literal translation frequently results in "semantic thinning," causing the theological richness and logical consistency of the original text to be diminished. In contrast, contemporary "functional" methods that emphasize contextual interpretation are better at maintaining and conveying the original message. The research finds that although no English term can entirely capture the complex essence of Quranic polysemy, employing explanatory descriptors and exegetical footnotes is crucial to avoid theological misinterpretation and provide a clearer understanding for non-Arabic speakers.