Application of Post-Gricean Pragmatic Approach to the English Translation of “The Glorious Quran”

Abstract

The Quran (the Word of Allah), revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and is still preserved in its original form. Thus far, efforts have been made to render the meanings of the Quran into English by eminent scholars such as Mohammad Asad, Pickhtall, Ali, Irving, Arberry, and, to name a few. However, the translated texts have also provoked questions about their authenticity regarding their meaning and message. Although translation models grant various options and choices; nonetheless, the task necessitates extreme precision and veracity due to the subject's sensitivity rather than linguistic structures. Hence, it requires the model that reconstructs ST as a new semantic and pragmatic totality in the target language while preserving the tone and message of the original besides the linguistic structuring. Therefore, the target text must meet the standards of textuality to transfer the ST's communicative function. For that to happen, the researchers employ. The Post-Gricean pragmatic approach considers seven standards of textuality discussed in depth by Beaugrande and Dressler (1981), theoretically and linguistically. The present paper aims to probe that English Translation of the Quran can be regarded as Standard Communicative text, conveying its essence and spirit, considering the Post-Gricean pragmatic approach. Second, applying criteria of textuality to the translations of sacred text renders objective and intelligible specifications that ensure the credibility of the translated text, especially the Quran’s Translation. Finally, the study recognises that Translation Approaches/Theories are plausible and relevant for translating sacred texts.