English-Arabic/Arabic-English Translation

Unlike other available translation manuals, English-Arabic/Arabic-English Translation: A Practical Guide transcends crude dichotomies of 'literal' vs 'free' translation, 'specialized' vs 'general', 'communicative' vs 'semantic.' It concentrates instead on developing a sensitivity to text-types and a deeper understanding of the demands that a given type makes on the translator. In addition, those who follow this guide will acquire the analytical tools needed to make meaningful comments about translation and translations. The guide is divided into three sections: translating legal texts; translating detached exposition; and translating argumentation. Thus the development of the student's translation skills and strategies starts with objective, non-evaluative texts and progressively moves on to extremely involved and highly evaluative texts. The sections are divided into units. Each unit contains an overview which contextualizes the particular text-form under discussion, a carefully chosen selection of texts and detailed notes and glossaries helps guide the student to the most appropriate translation. A glossary of text-linguistic and translation terms is provided together with a select bibliography. This guide will prove invaluable for both students and teachers of translation. Professional translators will also find this guide a useful tool.

Basil Hatim is a leading theorist in text-linguistics with particular research interests in the field of English-Arabic translation. Since 1980 he has been Director of Studies for Arabic at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. He has also lectured at universities throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. His many publications include Discourse and the Translator, written with Ian Mason.