A Study of the English Translation of Women Related Statements in Nahj al-balaghah: With an Emphasis on Reproach

Document Type : research article

Authors

Department of Humanities and Art, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Hazrat-e Masoumeh University, Qom, Iran

10.22059/jflr.2026.403978.1255

Abstract

Objective: In Nahj al-balaghah, we sometimes encounter expressions that are considered reproachful or may appear reproachful on the surface, but based on existing commentaries and interpretations, other implications may be embedded within them, or they may serve a function different from what might initially come to mind. This research, conducted using a qualitative-descriptive method from the perspective of translation studies, seeks to examine the strategies adopted by two English translators for reproachful expressions. Method: The theoretical framework is that of Warren, concerning the translation of "euphemistic"language. To this end, the reproachful figurative expressions concerning women in Nahj al-balaghah were extracted and their two English translations were analyzed.
Results: The results show that, overall, these two translations employed three methods: direct translation, modification, and explanatory translation. Consequently, the literal translation strategy was the most frequent. This was followed by particularization, extension of meaning, and reversal, which are among euphemistic techniques, as the next most frequent strategies. The remaining strategies did not have a noteworthy frequency. Conclusion: The results indicate that in some cases, direct translation may lead to misunderstanding of the intended concepts, but with regard to the modification and explanatory strategies—which rank next in frequency—due to the use of euphemistic techniques such as particularization, the intended meaning was likely conveyed more effectively.

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References

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Journal of Foreign Language Research
Volume 16, Issue 1
April 2026
Pages 87-107

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