Arabic Diglossia and Its Practical Implications for Translation

This course will present an in-depth introduction to diglossia as it applies to Arabic. Moving from theory to practice, the course will also address the practical implications of diglossia for translating spoken and written texts into English and explain why Arabic to English translators must understand this phenomena to produce accurate translations.

Arabic to English translators must be aware of the diglossic situation as it applies to Arabic and be able to accurately address it when creating target translations into English. Understanding both the situational and linguistic context of a spoken or written text will help translators select the most appropriate register to use in English. Even though this course is geared mainly toward Arabic to English translators, those interested in (Arabic) linguistics but not familiar with Arabic will also benefit. Arabic examples will be used, but English translations will be provided for participants not familiar with Arabic.

After completing the course, students will have practical knowledge on how to incorporate the concept of diglossia to produce accurate, Arabic to English translations. Students will also have introductory theoretical knowledge of diglossia and multiglossia to pursue this topic further if they wish. Students will receive a handout that includes a relevant bibliography and terminology list. In addition, I will invite all students to email me questions about the course and/or Arabic linguistics. I will post these questions and answers on my company's website and give students the address to access this resource.

Arabic to English freelance translators.
Freelance translators with an interest in linguistics in general and Arabic linguistics in particular.

This course is designed as an in-depth introduction to the phenomenon of diglossia as it applies to Arabic. After discussing the theory of diglossia, I will explain why it is essential for Arabic to English translators to understand this phenomenon to produce accurate translations. I will use Arabic examples but will include English translations for students not familiar with Arabic.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Linguistic features of diglossia
Diglossia as it applies to Arabic
Charles Ferguson's model of diglossia
Practical implications of diglossia for translation

To purchase your seat at this session please click on the "buy" button. Available slots are limited and will be assigned to registered and paid participants as soon as payment is reported. Early payment is advised in order to secure participation. Allow some time for payment processing if you are paying by wire transfer.

After your payment is received, your status will be changed to “registered and paid” and your spot for the session will be secured. An invoice and receipt of payment will be sent to you for your records.

How do I access the online platform?

72 hours before the webinar takes place, you will receive an invitation to join the session. Please, click the registration link or button provided in the invitation email and complete the registration form.

For PC-based Users:

• Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
• Required: Internet Explorer® 7.0 or newer, Mozilla® Firefox® 3.0 or newer or Google™ Chrome™ 5.0 or newer (JavaScript™ and Java™ enabled)
• Internet Connection Required: Cable modem, DSL, or better Internet connection
• Recommended: Dual-core 2.4GHz CPU or faster with 2GB of RAM (recommended)

For Mac®-based Users:

• Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 – Leopard® or newer
• Required: Safari™ 3.0 or newer, Firefox® 3.0 or newer or Google™ Chrome™ 5.0 or newer (JavaScript™ and Java™ enabled)
• Internet Connection Required: Cable modem, DSL, or better Internet connection
• Required: Intel processor (1GB of RAM or better recommended)

To Use VoIP (microphone and speakers or headset):

• Required: Fast Internet connection (384 kbps or more recommended)
• Required: speakers or headset (USB headset recommended)
• NOT required: Microphone - attendees can communicate with the trainer through incorporated chat.

Recommendations

• For the visual section of the training course, we recommend that you have a 64kbps link. This means using an ISDN line or Broadband. Wireless connection is NOT recommended.
• For the audio section of the training course, we recommend that you have a headset or speakers.
• We recommend that you log in 30 minutes in advance of the start time to prepare for the training course.

Courses will be open half an hour before the start time. Please login before the start time to ensure that everything on your system is working correctly.

Carmen Cross    View feedback | View all courses

Bio: Carmen Cross has been a professional medical translator of German and Arabic medical documents since 2005. She holds a Bachelor's and two Master's in Arabic language and linguistics, as well as an Arabic-English translation certificate from New York University. In addition to medicine and biotechnology, she is also interested in foreign language acquisition and linguistics. Like her page on Facebook