Conveying Conciseness in the Translation of Quranic Qa?a? (Stories): S?rah Y?suf as a Case Study

Abstract

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges of translating the rhetorical device of conciseness in Quranic narratives (Qa?a?). The inimitability of the Qur’an is particularly evident through its linguistic and rhetorical features, especially its capacity to convey extensive meanings with remarkable brevity. This study aims to highlight the difficulties faced by translators and underscores the strategies employed to preserve conciseness while maintaining essential semantic and rhetorical nuances. A qualitative, descriptive, and analytical approach is used to examine select verses from S?rah Y?suf (Q:12), focusing on the impact of conciseness, both with and without ellipsis, on their English translations. By comparing various translated Quranic verses to the source text and drawing upon exegesis to ensure the preservation of intended meaning, the research reveals that deviations from the original concise structures can result in a loss of semantic and rhetorical depth, ultimately diminishing the eloquence of the Quranic text. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in Quran translation studies, offering insights into the best approaches and strategies for translating the rhetorical device of conciseness in the Qur’an.