LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 23:11 November 2023
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

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An In-Depth Exploration of Rubaiyat Al-Khayyam Translations:
A Comparative Study of Translation and Re-Translation

Yazid Abdulrahman Al Ismail

Abstract

Intriguing scholars and linguists for generations, the Rubaiyat Al-Khayyam, authored by the illustrious Persian polymath Omar Al-Khayyam, has historically transcended borders and cultures. This study delved deeper into the art of translation, focusing on two noteworthy Arabic translations of the Rubaiyat by Ahmad Rami (1924) and Badr Tawfik (1989). Rami’s rendition, a direct translation from the original Persian, encapsulates the spirit of a twentieth-century Arab world in flux, capturing both the echoes of a cultural renaissance and the familiar rhythmic structure beloved by Arab audiences. By contrast, Tawfik’s 1989 re-translation, influenced by FitzGerald’s English version, serves as a melting pot of East meets West, merging original Persian sentiments with global interpretations. This research elucidates the delicate balance that translators must maintain between authenticity, contextual relevance, and personal interpretation. The intricate dance of words across these translations reaffirms the universal appeal of Al-Khayyam’s poetic genius, while highlighting the transformative magic inherent in the act of translation.

Keywords: Rubaiyat Al-Khayyam; translation; Ahmad Rami; Badr Tawfik; Persian literature; cultural renaissance; rhythmic structure; Fitzgerald’s adaptation; authenticity; contextual relevance; poetic genius

Introduction

The Rubaiyat Al-Khayyam, penned by the renowned Persian polymath Omar Al-Khayyam, has captivated the minds of scholars, poets, and translators for generations. An eleventh-century luminary, Al-Khayyam, was not simply a gifted poet; his expertise also spanned mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy (Yarshater, 1983). His quatrains, rich with themes such as existentialism, hedonism and fatalism found universal appeal, touching hearts beyond the confines of time and place (Aminrazavi, 2007).

The art of translation catapulted Al-Khayyam’s poetic wonders to global prominence. Amidst this international embrace, Edward FitzGerald’s 1859 English adaptation is arguably the most distinctive. Despite certain purists raising eyebrows at its liberal style, FitzGerald’s work undeniably carved Al-Khayyam’s niche into the Western literary landscape (Karlin, 2009). The relationship between original works and their translated counterparts is profound, unveiling the intricacies of linguistic evolution, cultural dialogues, and interpretative choices (Bassnett, 2014).

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Yazid Abdulrahman Al Ismail
Associate Professor of Translation Studies
Department of English Language & Translation
College of Arabic Language & Social Studies
Qassim University
Buraydah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
y.a.alismail@qu.edu.sa
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