Translation of Death as Clad in Euphemisms
On October 31, 2016, Dr. Eyhab Bader Eddin gave an insightful presentation on the intricacies of translating euphemistic language. The seminar, titled "Translation of Death as Clad in Euphemisms," was organized by the Language Research Center of King Khalid University.
Dr. Eddin began by defining key linguistic concepts such as euphemism, orthophemism, and dyphemism. He further illuminated the motivations behind using euphemistic language and the specific realms that euphemisms typically address. He also explored the application of euphemism within the Arabic language.
To offer a comparative perspective, Dr. Eddin used the term 'death' as a point of reference, drawing comparisons between English and Arabic regarding the use of euphemism. He shared his insights on the challenges often faced by translators, emphasizing that a priority should be placed on seeking an equivalent term in the target language.
However, he also noted that when a direct equivalent is not available, priority should be given to meaning over form, acknowledging the need for flexibility and creativity in translation.
In a testament to the inclusiveness of the session, it is worth noting that the Al Samer campus was able to participate in the seminar via video conferencing, expanding the reach of this enlightening discussion.
The event was hailed as a resounding success, fostering an engaging and interactive dialogue around the nuances of language translation.