The Problems of Translating German Literary Texts and its Solving (The Sorrows of Young Werther as a model for intermediate translation)

Abstract

Our research deals with the problems of translating literary texts from German into Arabic, and focuses in particular on the role and causes of intermediate translation through the research example that relates to the Arabic translation of the Egyptian translator Ahmed Hassan Al-Zayat for Goethe's novel "The sorrows of young Werther". It shows also the negative aspects of the intermediate translation of the original text and attempts to identify the motives that lie behind the translation process and to clarify the diversified style of translators. Accordingly, the research plan included an introduction and five topics, including some recommendations to support the translation field and its development in the Arab countries, as well as a conclusion that contained the main conclusions, and explains why some translators use intermediate translation, and how to avoid the negative result of intermediate translation. It emphasizes also the role of the translator and his development and provides the importance of translation as the basis for cultural dialogue between countries. This study shows also that any neglect of translation and translators means losing a chance to qualify Arab society to enter into a cultural dialogue with foreign societies.