Beyond Words: translating nonverbal communication in Arabic poetry a cultural turn approach

this study addresses the challenges of translating culture-specific nonverbal
communication in literature, focusing on the complexities of conveying rich kinetic-visual
imagery across languages. By examining 18 english and French translations of a sample
verse, the research aims to explore how translators handle kinesic and oculesic elements
intrinsic to the source text. the comparative analysis reveals that while many translators
struggle to convey cultural nuances, often simplifying or misinterpreting nonverbal
cues, some successfully navigate these complexities. Factors such as chronology,
interpretive choices, and domestication strategies significantly impact the translation
process. the study’s findings underscore the importance of cultural awareness and
sensitivity in achieving effective literary translations, highlighting the need for translators
to act as cultural mediators rather than mere linguistic converters. this research
contributes to the field by demonstrating how varying approaches to translating
nonverbal cues can significantly impact the preservation of a text’s cultural essence,
thereby advancing our understanding of the intricacies involved in cross-cultural literary
translation and emphasizing the translator’s role in bridging cultural gaps.