The particle كم: A key aspect to fathom in translation with special reference to the Holy Quran

The paper titled "The Particle كم: A Key Aspect to Fathom in Translation with Special Reference to the Holy Quran" primarily focuses on the translation challenges associated with the Arabic particle "كم" when translating the Holy Quran into English. The study aims to explore the complexities of translating the two types of "كم"—interrogative and declarative—by analyzing their distinct features, meanings, and realizations in the context of the Quran.

The purpose of the study is to provide a detailed examination of how the particle "كم" is understood and translated, particularly in religious texts. The scope of the paper includes identifying the common issues faced by translators, especially trainee translators, when dealing with this particle and offering guidance on achieving accurate translations that reflect the intended meanings in the Quran.

The methodology of the paper involves a thorough analysis of the two types of "كم" in the Quran. The author identifies the occurrences of these particles in the text and examines how they are typically rendered in English. The study includes examples from the Quran to illustrate how each type of "كم" is used and the challenges in translating them correctly into English.

Key findings of the research indicate that the two types of "كم" carry significantly different meanings that are often misunderstood or oversimplified in translation. The study reveals that while the interrogative "كم" is often associated with asking about quantity, the declarative "كم" conveys a sense of multitude or emphasis, which is crucial in the context of Quranic translation. The paper also points out that incorrect translation of "كم" can lead to a distorted understanding of the Quran's message.

In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the interrogative and declarative forms of "كم" to avoid misinterpretations in translation. The author suggests that future translators should pay close attention to the nuances of this particle and offers recommendations for achieving more accurate translations. The findings are significant as they contribute to improving the quality of Quranic translations and enhance the linguistic competence of translators.