Connotative Meaning and Euphemism in Medical Translation from English into Arabic
Researcher: Dr. Khazrouni Mohsin (Based on the academic seminar hosted by the International Academy of Linguistics)
Abstract & Research Questions
Medical translation is often perceived as a purely technical endeavor, focused on finding literal equivalents for anatomical or pathological terms. However, this study argues that medical terminology carries "invisible baggage"—semantic shadows and emotional undertones that significantly impact the patient's dignity and psychological well-being. This article explores the tension between scientific precision and cultural sensitivity in the Arabic context.
This article seeks to answer the following core questions:
- How do the connotative meanings of medical terms affect the psychological state and social perception of patients in Arab societies?
- To what extent can the strategy of "Euphemism" (taltif al-ta'bir) bridge the gap between clinical accuracy and linguistic politeness?
- What are the most effective translation strategies—such as naturalization versus transliteration—for rendering sensitive medical concepts into the Arabic linguistic system?
1. The Duality of Meaning: Denotation vs. Connotation
In the realm of medical discourse, a term possesses two layers of meaning. The denotative meaning is the literal, dictionary definition (e.g., a specific biological dysfunction). The connotative meaning, however, involves the emotional and social associations evoked by the word. In Arabic, certain medical terms carry heavy "semantic shadows" that can stigmatize the patient. For instance, a term might accurately describe a pathology but simultaneously suggest a loss of humanity or social worth, making the role of the translator more of an ethical mediator than a mere linguistic transcoder.
2. Euphemism as an Ethical Imperative
The study highlights Euphemism (polite substitution) as a vital strategy in medical translation. Rather than using "dysphemisms" (harsh or blunt terms), translators are encouraged to use more socially acceptable alternatives. This is not merely a stylistic choice but a social imperative to preserve the patient’s "Face" and dignity. By selecting terms that emphasize "potential" or "special needs" rather than "voids" or "failures," the translator helps reshape the psychological experience of the illness.
3. Case Studies: The Socio-Psychological Impact of Terms
- Disability (الإعاقة): The traditional Arabic translation often emphasizes "incapacity" or "hindrance." The study points to modern shifts, such as the UAE’s adoption of the term "People of Determination" (أصحاب الهمم). This shift moves the connotation from what the person cannot do to the strength of their will, demonstrating how a change in translation can foster social inclusion.
- Dementia (الخرف): The Arabic equivalent Kharaf is etymologically linked to the "corruption of the mind due to age." This carries a profound social stigma. While "Memory Loss" (فقدان الذاكرة) is often used as a euphemism, the study notes it is scientifically insufficient as it only describes one symptom. This creates a challenge for the translator to find a term that is both clinically comprehensive and socially respectful.
- Angina & Stroke (الذبحة والسكتة): In the Arabic collective consciousness, these terms are phonetically and semantically harsh, evoking images of "slaughter" or "sudden silence/death." Such terms can escalate patient anxiety, necessitating a search for more descriptive, less alarming medical equivalents.
- Physical Intimacy (التماس الجسدي): Addressing sensitive topics like sexual transmission requires cultural filtering. The study observes that successful translations often mirror Quranic rhetoric (e.g., laamastum al-nisaa), using metaphors and metonymy to convey medical facts without violating social modesty.
4. Technical Strategies: Transliteration vs. Naturalization
The researcher evaluates two primary methods for handling foreign medical terms:
- Transliteration: Phonetically transferring the word (e.g., "Alzheimer" as ألزهايمر). While easy for the translator, it often leaves the term sounding "alien" and fails to provide the target reader with any semantic clarity.
- Naturalization: Adapting the term to fit Arabic morphological and semantic structures. The study argues that naturalization, combined with descriptive translation, is superior because it bridges the cognitive gap for the Arab patient, making the medical condition more "understandable" and less "foreign."
5. Conclusion
The translation of medical terms from English to Arabic is a delicate balancing act between Scientific Accuracy and Human Dignity. The "Semantic Shadows" of words can either alienate the patient or provide a framework for hope and resilience. Translators must be trained not only in anatomy and linguistics but also in the sociolinguistics of the Arab world to ensure that the medical discourse evolves into a more humane and culturally integrated field.
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