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An English translation of the Quran that is as close as possible to the Arabic sacred text
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 Post subject: Sophisticated words
PostPosted: 19 Feb 2010, 01:04 
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This topic is to discuss English words that are excellent translations of Arabic words in the Quran, but, because they are not commonly used, may not be familiar to the reader. Then the question is: Do we go ahead and use them because they are such excellent translations, or do we have to forgo their use because the average reader will not likely know their meaning?

I'll start with a word I learned today!

Perspicacity

This word, which means keen insight or acumen, translates perfectly the word بصيرة /ba,ʂi:ra/ which is often translated insight.

My vote is that this word is more likely to be alien to most readers. While "insight" is an understatement, acumen may be about right.

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 Post subject: Re: Sophisticated words
PostPosted: 24 Feb 2010, 04:51 
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Linguistic wrote:
I'll start with a word I learned today!

Perspicacity

This word, which means keen insight or acumen, translates perfectly the word بصيرة /ba,ʂi:ra/ which is often translated insight.

My vote is that this word is more likely to be alien to most readers. While "insight" is an understatement, acumen may be about right.

Good topic.

I think my vote is also that the uncommon word should be avoided. The reader will probably have to use a dictionary if we use the uncommon word, and that defies the purpose.

As for بصيرة, I think 'vision' might also work. I feel that eyesight has taken over from vision when it comes to literal seeing, and now 'vision' by itself stands for insight/wisdom, etc.

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