Unravelling Cultural Hurdles: Christian Marriage Document Translation Challenges Faced by English Major Students at Tafila Technical University

Abstract

This paper explores the complexities involved in translating Christian marriage documents, specifically in relation to cultural and religious contexts. Despite its importance, this area of translation studies has been largely overlooked by researchers. The author recognised this gap and sought to bridge it by examining the connection between theory and practice in this field. Translating religious texts goes beyond literal translation, requiring a deep understanding of different faiths and the ability to capture their essence. Unfortunately, the intricate nature of religious texts is often disregarded in translation studies, which ultimately leads to difficulties for translators as they navigate the cultural nuances and religious connotations embedded in legal and religious language. This study focuses on the cultural challenges faced by English-major students at Tafila Technical University when translating Christian marriage documents. The findings underscore the importance of cultural knowledge and provide valuable insights. By addressing these challenges and proposing effective strategies, this research aims to enhance the quality of English-Arabic-English religious translation, particularly in the context of Christian marriage documents.