Metaphors in Translation: A Study of Figurative Language in Badriah Albeshr's Hend and the Soldiers

Authors

  • Faiz Algobaei

    Sciences and General Studies Department, Al-Fayha Private College, Al Jubail City 35811, Saudi Arabia
  • Elham Alzain

    Department of Languages and Humanities, Applied College in Abqaiq, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i8.9434
Received: 10 April 2025 | Revised: 30 April 2025 | Accepted: 16 May 2025 | Published Online: 11 August 2025

Abstract

The study aims to examine the translation of metaphors in the Arabic novel "Hend wa Alasker"and its English translation, Hend and the Soldiers. It employs the Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIP) and Cognitive Metaphor Theory. Using a mixed-method approach, the quantitative analysis applies MIP to identify metaphors and measure their frequency. The qualitative analysis explores how conceptual patterns are formed and how translation strategies such as adaptation, preservation, alteration, and omission are employed to convey metaphorical meaning across languages. The findings reveal that ontological metaphors are the most frequently used. Structural metaphors follow, while orientational metaphors are the least common. The findings also show that the most frequent category involves different mappings and lexical choices. Metaphors with similar mappings but different lexical choices come next, while metaphors with similar mappings but different lexical choices are the least frequent. The study concludes with a discussion of the translation strategies employed within each category. It identifies adaptation as the most frequently utilized strategy, followed by preservation. Alteration and omission are used less frequently. The study offers theoretical insights and practical strategies beneficial to translators, scholars, institutions, and non-Arabic-speaking readers.

Keywords:

Translation; Arabic-English; Metaphor; Identification; Cognitive; Conceptual

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How to Cite

Algobaei, F., & Alzain, E. (2025). Metaphors in Translation: A Study of Figurative Language in Badriah Albeshr’s Hend and the Soldiers. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(8), 740–763. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i8.9434

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Vol. 7 , Iss. 8 (August 2025): In progress

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