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Semantic Strategies in Arberry’s Qur’an Translation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the semantic strategies employed by Arberry in The Koran Interpreted and explores their implications for Arabic language teaching. Using a qualitative descriptive approach with textual analysis, the study examines linguistic units reflecting semantic phenomena such as polysemy, metaphor, and semantic shift. The findings reveal that Arberry consistently applies three major strategies: lexical, contextual, and idiomatic-figurative semantics. At the lexical level, he prioritizes core meaning through context-sensitive word selection. At the contextual level, meanings are adjusted to align with the discourse of each verse, ensuring coherence and interpretability. At the idiomatic and figurative level, Qur’anic metaphors are largely preserved to maintain symbolic and rhetorical depth. These strategies indicate that Arberry’s translation is interpretative and meaning-oriented rather than form-based. Pedagogically, the findings highlight the relevance of semantic translation for enhancing learners’ contextual vocabulary understanding, semantic awareness, and interpretative competence through text-based approaches in Arabic language teaching.

Source: EL-MAQALAH Journal of Arabic Language Teaching and Linguistics

DOI: 10.22373/h8x6bc43

Authors: Acep Hermawan, Asep Supriyadi, Munib Munib, Abujela Ibrahim Mohammed

Institutions: Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University Bandung, Institut Agama Islam Al-Azhary KH. Abdullah Bin Nuh Cianjur, Institut Agama Islam Nazhatut Thullab Sampang, Al Zawiya University

Language: English

Topic: Translation Studies and Practices

Subfield: Language and Linguistics

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7225794089

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