A Comparative Analysis of Urdu and Arabic Proverbs: Cognitive Blending in Translation and Cultural Disparities

Abstract

This study explores the translation of Urdu and Arabic proverbs into English, focusing on how Cognitive Blending Theory (CBT) can explain the cognitive and cultural shifts that occur during the translation process. Proverbs, as expressions of cultural wisdom, often carry deeply embedded moral lessons, social values, and emotional nuances that may be altered or lost in translation, particularly when moving between languages as distinct as Urdu and Arabic. By applying CBT, this research investigates how different mental spaces within the source languages blend to create meaning and how these blends are affected when translated into English. The study identifies significant cultural differences between Urdu and Arabic proverbs, emphasizing how these differences shape the cognitive blending process and, ultimately, the translation outcome. It also examines the challenges faced by translators in maintaining the integrity of the original cultural context while adapting proverbs for an English-speaking audience. The findings highlight the importance of understanding cultural and conceptual knowledge in the culture of source languages and the culture of the target languages through the translation of proverbs. This paper contributes to the field of translation studies by demonstrating the relevance of CBT in translating culturally rich expressions and offering insights into the cognitive processes at play during this challenging aspect of translation.