Translation in the Arab World: The Abbasid Golden Age

The Translation Movement of the Abbasid Period was a unique event in world history,translating much of the intellectual tradition of the Greeks,Persians,and Indians into Arabic. This book investigates the cultural and political conflicts that translation brought into the new Abbasid state from a sociological perspective, treating translation as a process and a product. It outlines the factors involved in the initiation and cessation of translational activity and discusses important events such as the translation of Aristotles Poetics and the Indian/Persian Kalilah wa Dimna into Arabic. It also addresses the question of whether the Abbasids had a theory of translation and the influence of translation on the Arabic language.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Translation Movement of the Abbasid Period, a remarkable era spanning nearly three centuries, stands as a unique chapter in global history. During this transformative period, a vast array of intellectual traditions from Greece, Persia, and India found their way into the Arabic language, a language previously devoid of a translation or scientific, medical, or philosophical heritage. This captivating book delves into the sociological realm, exploring the cultural and political conflicts that translation introduced into the newly established Abbasid state. It treats translation as a dynamic process and a valuable product, shedding light on its intricate nuances.

In the initial chapters, the book establishes the contextual factors that shaped the initiation and cessation of translational activity during the Abbasid period. It then proceeds to examine in depth significant events that marked the Translation Movement. These include the meticulous translation of Aristotle's renowned work, Poetics, into Arabic, the groundbreaking translation of the Indian/Persian masterpiece, Kalilah wa Dimna, by Abdullah ibn al-Muqaffa, and the translation of scientific texts, which played a pivotal role in expanding knowledge and understanding in the Abbasid empire.

Furthermore, the book addresses the intriguing question of whether the Abbasids developed a theory of translation. Despite the extensive efforts of translators over three centuries, no poem was successfully translated into Arabic. This chapter explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and sheds light on the complexities that shaped the Translation Movement during this period.

The concluding chapter delves into the profound influence of translation on the Arabic language during the Abbasid era. By employing modern theories of translation, the book offers fresh perspectives on various issues associated with this time. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in Translation Studies, Oriental and Arab Studies, Book History, and Cultural History, providing insights into the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and linguistic development during the Abbasid period.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367689490