How Arabic culture-specific expressions reflect social values and why they are difficult to translate.

Hello everyone,

As a translation student, I’m interested in how language reflects social values and everyday practices. In Arabic, there are many expressions and terms that are closely tied to cultural traditions, social norms, and shared experiences. These expressions often carry meanings that go beyond their literal definitions.

Words and phrases related to hospitality, honor, kinship, and social responsibility, for example, convey layers of meaning shaped by history and culture. When translated into English, these terms may appear simple or incomplete, as much of their cultural significance cannot be conveyed through direct translation. This highlights the importance of cultural awareness in translation and the need to go beyond words in order to communicate meaning.