The Semantic Evolution of Qur’ānic Terminology and its Translation

This study is carried on a special aspect of the translation of the Qur’ān, which starts from Eugen Nida’s study on the same type of practical and theoretical aspects in translating the Bible. The vocabulary of the Qur’ān, like the vocabulary of any other sacred book, can usually be divided into religious vocabulary, which carries the very notions contouring the respective religious system, and general vocabulary. Both religious and general vocabulary are subject to an evolution of meaning, the first category as a result of the institutionalization of religion, the second as a result of a normal, expected transformation, accomplished over time, that occurs in any language.

Qur’ānic Terminology, translation, religious vocabulary, šarī‘a, halīfa, al-madīna, interpretation, semantic analysis of Qur’ānic language