Exploring the Relationship between Idioms and Culture with Reference to English/Arabic Translation

Abstract

This study aims at exploring the relationship between idioms and culture with reference to English Arabic translation. The researcher considers the role played by religious, social and physical culture in analyzing and understanding English idioms and identifies the problems faced in translating them. The translator uses a lot of examples to support discussion and analysis throughout the chapters of the thesis. The bilingual idioms form a research population for this study, in which the comment element depends on the theoretical framework, while the researcher uses the descriptive analytical approach when necessary. The researcher concludes with a number of findings such as: idioms are relatively translatable from one language to another, but the cultural bound idioms of a particular language are difficult and sometimes impossible, to translate. Eventually, the researcher renders some recommendations and suggestions. The most significant ones are: the translator should adopt the best strategy when tackling idioms and idioms should be taught within English language classes, in general and translation programs, in particular.