The Linguist

10 The Linguist Vol/64 No/1 ciol.org.uk/thelinguist FEATURES withdrawal' and 'cleansing' might be understood literally in a global context, stripping away the overtones of sarcasm, bitterness or euphemistic horror they carry within Syria. This discrepancy highlights the translator's critical role in bridging cultural gaps and ensuring these terms resonate authentically with international audiences. Assad's fall also underscores the political dimensions of translation. Language choices shape international perceptions of the conflict and its aftermath. Prison testimonies often serve as evidence in international legal proceedings, where translation accuracy becomes critical. A mistranslation could undermine a witness's credibility or distort the severity of human rights abuses. Translators must exercise extreme caution, ensuring their work reflects both linguistic precision and contextual understanding. Translation: the human dimension At its core, translation transcends linguistic boundaries, serving as a profoundly human endeavour. Translators bridge cultural divides and amplify voices that might otherwise remain unheard. They therefore play a crucial role in ensuring that the experiences, struggles and aspirations of Syrians – whether survivors, activists or those in the diaspora – are accurately conveyed to global audiences. They help counter misinformation, maintain the integrity of narratives, and foster understanding in a world increasingly shaped by fragmented and often biased perspectives. Moreover, translation serves as a unifying force within Syria itself, facilitating dialogue among divided factions and regions, thus contributing to the reconstruction of the nation's social fabric. In this context, translation is not just a technical task, but a powerful tool for empathy, solidarity and the rebuilding of a post-conflict society. The aforementioned term ت ك و ي ع (takwi'a) highlights a fascinating intersection of language, politics and social transformation in the context of translation. It can be used as both a noun ('one who switches sides') and a verb ('the act of changing allegiance'). A descriptor of personal transformation, it carries connotations of opportunism, survival and self-preservation, symbolising the unpredictability of human choices in the face of systemic collapse. Possible translations might be 'allegiance flipper', 'turncoat', 'flip- flopper' or, more freely, 'political opportunist'. Still, these options lack the dialectical dimension since the source term is vernacular. At its core, the word captures a specific moment in Syria's revolutionary history, offering a nuanced linguistic reflection of the volatile shifts in political loyalties during times of social upheaval. In translation, it becomes more than a mere lexical item; it encapsulates an evolving sociopolitical phenomenon. Translators must not only find an equivalent but also convey the emotional and ideological weight that such a term carries. How does one translate the complexities of shifting political identities in the context of revolution? A tool for justice Linguistic innovation is emblematic of the role language plays in revolutionary movements. Revolution-coined terms often serve a dual function: they communicate a shared experience of transformation and dissent while reinforcing the divisive nature of the political changes occurring. In the aftermath of regime collapse, translators play a crucial role in preserving Syrian narratives. By grappling with the complexities of culturally specific terms and prison vernacular, they ensure that survivors' voices are heard on the global stage. However, this work presents ethical dilemmas, political pressures and the inherent limitations of language. Translation is ultimately an act of justice. By bringing Syrian stories to the world, translators contribute to a deeper understanding of the country's struggles and resilience, making sure the lessons of its past are not forgotten as it embarks on an uncertain future. In the now infamous prisons, a unique vernacular evolved as an act of survival PRISON TALK The horrors of Sednaya Prison, also known as 'Human Slaughterhouse' ) ا ﳌ ﺴ ﻠ ﺦ ا ﻟ ﺒ ﴩ ي ( , were revealed after the fall of the regime © FAHED SAAD KIWAN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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