Legal Discourse in Arabic and English: A Lexico-Syntactic Study of Translation Challenges

Abstract

Legal translation between English and Arabic is a complex process requiring linguistic proficiency as well as a deep understanding of legal systems and cultural contexts. While existing research on legal translation has focused on semantic and syntactic issues, broader cultural and systemic factors affecting processes and products in legal translation remain underexplored. This study therefore attempts to address this gap by analyzing the lexical and syntactic features of English and Arabic legal texts, identifying translation challenges, and proposing strategies to improve legal translation quality. Using a qualitative, descriptive, and comparative approach, the study examines a diverse corpus of legal texts, including contracts, statutes, and court rulings.

The findings reveal significant differences between English and Arabic legal texts in terms of lexical and syntactic structures, particularly in the use of archaic terms, binomial expressions, and passive constructions. Cultural and systemic factors (i.e. the influence of Islamic law in Arabic legal discourse) further complicate translation. The study concludes that a balanced approach, integrating linguistic accuracy with cultural adaptation, is essential for effective legal translation. Practical recommendations are also suggested for translators, educators, and policymakers to enhance translation quality.

It is hoped that this research can be a useful contribution to Translation Studies, as it offers a structured framework for better understanding and addressing the complexities of Arabic-English legal translation, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary knowledge and further research.