Abstract
Translation is one of the most important instruments of intercultural communication and knowledge transmission in human history. It has played a significant role in facilitating interaction among peoples of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Within Arabic and Islamic civilization, translation has served as a medium for preserving religious heritage, disseminating scientific knowledge and fostering cultural dialogue across geographical and linguistic boundaries. This paper examines translation as a vehicle for understanding and promoting Arabic and Islamic culture by exploring its historical evolution, theoretical foundations and contemporary relevance. The study adopts a qualitative documentary approach and draws data from books, journal articles and historical documents related to translation studies, Arabic language and Islamic culture. The paper is anchored on Dynamic Equivalence Theory, Semantic and Communicative Translation Theory as well as Domestication and Foreignization Theory. Findings reveal that translation was central to the flourishing of Islamic civilization, especially during the Abbasid period, and remains indispensable for promoting Arabic and Islamic culture in the contemporary world. The paper further reveals that despite the growing use of machine translation and digital technologies, human translators continue to play a vital role in preserving cultural nuances and religious meanings embedded in Arabic and Islamic texts. The study concludes that strengthening translation institutions, promoting translator training and embracing technological innovations are essential for ensuring the continued global relevance of Arabic and Islamic culture.
Keywords: Translation, Arabic Language,
Islamic Culture, Intercultural Communication, Knowledge Transmission.
DOI: 10.36349/sojolics.2026.v02i02.032
author/Zubair Muhammad Isa Doko, PhD
journal/Sokoto JOLICS 2(2) | August 2026 |
