The Role of Ideology in Quranic Translations

Abstract

It is absolutely indispensable to translate without resorting to extralingustic factors. Process of Translation is under the pressure of ideology (as an extralinguistic factor) concerning all linguistic factors including syntax, lexicon, phonology, etc. Ideology itself establishes a foundation (loose or taught) in background which directs (consciously or unconsciously) translators into the linguistic choices yielding different products. Moreover, it is not language system choices per se which is under the influence of ideology. Implications and implicatures are determined and controlled on a par with ideological presuppositions as well. It is, however, crucial to note that no component of language per se may be ideological. In return, ideology is reflected in language system. This article, too, aims at delving into the role of different ideological backgrounds on translation; though exclusively focusing on the Holy Quran. Critical discourse analysis views are powerful enough to account for such approaches because they take into account textual form and extralinguistic factors simultaneously in tandem.