Ideological Translation: The Intentional Use of Rhetoric in Political News Translation

Abstract

This study explores ideological and rhetorical shifts in Arabic translations of Yemen-related political news articles published by some English-medium outlets, applying Aristotle’s model of rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, and logos) to uncover how translation strategies can influence the ideological framing of political discourse. The study also draws on Skopos theories of translation and rhetoric to examine how translators may intentionally manipulate credibility, emotions, and logical arguments as tools of persuading and informing to align the translated text with certain political and ideological agendas. This paper aims to investigate the extent to which translators employ rhetorical appeals to alter the message of the original text or amplify that of the translation, as well as how such modifications can contribute to the ideological positioning of the target text. The paper thus highlights the critical role of translation in shaping political narratives, offering insights into how rhetorical strategies are adapted across languages to influence public opinion. The findings reveal that translators often employ specific rhetorical techniques to align political messages with targeted ideological perspectives. It is hoped that this study can contribute to the field of translation studies by highlighting the active role of translators in shaping political discourse, suggesting that translation is not merely a linguistic exercise but a strategic act with profound ideological consequences.