Challenges of Translating Financial Terminologies from Arabic to English in an Islamic Banking Context: Insights from Translators Practices

Abstract

This research examined the difficulties translators encounter when converting Arabic financial texts into English, particularly emphasizing Islamic banking terminology. The study aimed to explore cultural factors that hinder translation due to lexical discrepancies between Arabic and English and to identify commonly used translation strategies. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving professional Arabic-English translators tasked with translating Arabic financial texts into English. The texts were analysed to determine how four translators addressed Islamic banking terms and whether these challenges affected the translation's effectiveness. Additionally, interviews were conducted with translators to gain deeper insights into the obstacles they face and the underlying causes. The study was grounded in two theoretical frameworks: Nida’s dynamic equivalence theory and Vermeer’s Skopos theory. the research revealed that translating terms related to Islamic banking presents significant challenges, including the absence of direct equivalents, culturally specific financial terms, and insufficient financial expertise. The findings indicated that the method of translation directly influenced the accuracy and clarity of the intended message. They also highlighted effective strategies and methods that aid in the translation process, which are primarily influenced by the target audience’s familiarity with Islamic finance. For audiences well-versed in the field, a transliteration approach may suffice; however, when the audience lacks knowledge, a combination of transliteration and further explanation is advisable. To address the challenges identified, the researcher recommended that translators develop a deep understanding of the target culture and enhance their knowledge of Islamic finance prior to engaging in translation.