The Linguist

Chartered Institute of Linguists SPRING 2025 The Linguist 9 FEATURES colour of the notes: ن ع ن ا ع (na'na'; 'mint'), أ خ . (akhdar; 'green') and ب ق د و ن س (baqdounis; 'parsley'). Using the dollar was taboo during Assad's rule, often resulting in imprisonment or heavy penalties. These seemingly innocent words concealed acts of defiance and survival, acquiring a Syrian revolutionary connotation. In the post-Assad era their meanings remain tied to the oppressive conditions under which they were coined. Translating them requires careful contextualisation to ensure their historical and cultural significance is preserved. 'Cash', or simply 'dollars', would ensure comprehension but lose the context of oppression. Therefore, an explanatory footnote or gloss, e.g. '"parsley" was a euphemism for dollars under the Assad regime', may be necessary. Internationally recognised phrases like ا ل ف ي ت و ا ل د و ل (al-fayto al-dawli; 'international veto') can be translated literally, but there are satirical overtones here that could be imparted through an explanatory note. The term reflects frustration with Western inaction, particularly within the context of the UN Security Council's use of Chapter 8, whereby the veto power of certain members blocked effective international intervention, deepening Syrians' sense of abandonment. In the regime's now infamous prisons, a unique vernacular evolved as an act of survival. This lexicon, shaped by decades of oppression and shared suffering, conveys layers of meaning that are inaccessible to outsiders. For example, the term ب ي ت خ ا ل ت ه (bait khaltu) translates literally as 'his maternal aunt', but in this context refers to detention centres, prisons or concentration camps where the regime practised systematic torture and atrocities against civilians. Translating such expressions demands an appreciation of the emotional and cultural contexts they encapsulate. The term ت ش ب ي ح (tashbih), which symbolises violence and mafioso-like practices, has a particularly storied history in Syria. Initially tied to the Latakia province's suffering in the late 20th century, it reemerged in 2011, permeating political discourse and media. When translating such terms, a suitable approach involves a combination of transliteration and descriptive translation, depending on the context. In cases where the target audience is unfamiliar with Syrian political history, retaining the transliterated term (tashbih or pl. shabiha) alongside a brief explanation ensures clarity. For example: 'The regime relied on the shabiha, government- backed paramilitary enforcers known for their brutal tactics.' If the emphasis is on the criminal nature of shabiha, functional equivalents such as 'thugs', 'gang enforcers' or 'militia operatives' may be appropriate, but this would decontextualise the term and strip it of its Syrian spirit. In political discussions, where the focus is on state-sponsored violence, terms like 'regime enforcers' or 'paramilitary death squads' may better capture the intended meaning. However, in journalistic or scholarly contexts, a more detailed paraphrase might be necessary to maintain historical accuracy. By carefully considering the audience and context, the translator can preserve the historical significance while ensuring comprehension. An ethical approach When approaching culturally specific terms or prison testimonies, translators must strike a balance between literal accuracy and conveying the cultural and emotional resonance of the original. Language is sometimes sanitised to suit global audiences, but this risks diluting the raw intensity of the original accounts, which is especially problematic when translating testimonies for international human rights organisations. Conversely, overly literal translations may alienate readers unfamiliar with Syrian culture. Navigating this tension is one of the most significant challenges translators face. The translator must also contend with the vastly different connotations these words hold outside Syria. Terms like 'tactical A NEW BEGINNING? A child draped in the new Syrian flag at a popular protest in Syria in the final months of the Assad regime Translation serves as a unifying force in Syria among divided factions MOHAMMAD BASH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

• Cover