An Analysis of Arabic Translations and Post-translation Adaptations of Self-Help Books
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
Youssef, Mary
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
State University of New York at Binghamton
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2020
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
178
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
Ph.D.
Body granting the degree
State University of New York at Binghamton
Text preceding or following the note
2020
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
This dissertation examines a selection of translations and post-translation adaptations of self-help books: an area of research that still has not been fully explored within the field of Translation Studies. Arabic translations of self-help appear to be motivated by an aspiration to modernization for these books provided the codes for aligning the development of self within the Arabic culture with that of the 'Western model' of self-development. On the other hand, the post-translation adaptations were fed by a religious discourse, therefore rendering self-help to a more religious discourse. While the post-translation adaptations are foregrounded as Islamic books, which can be described as 'Islamic self-help', they were promoting ideological aspects of what is known as ṣaḥwa (Islamic Awakening). Eventually, two different types of texts came as a result of two distinct, sometimes conflicting, narratives. Looking at both translative acts (translation and adaptation), in tandem, in light of narrative theory by Mona Baker, it can be concluded that the two narratives of modernization and ṣaḥwa cast their influence onto the two translative acts. On the other hand, both movements contributed to neoliberalism due to their tampering with managerialist ideology that was interwoven in their underpinnings.