Translation and Commentary Of Early Christian Thought Through Augustine From: A History Of Western Philosophy By Stepen Evans With Particular Reference To J. L. Malone Strategies

Abstract

The translation of philosophical and theological texts is a complex process that extends beyond linguistic transfer to include cultural adaptation and theoretical considerations. This complexity is particularly evident in the translation of abstract reasoning, specialized terminology, and historical references, which require strategic decision-making. For instance, Augustine’s synthesis of Platonic and Christian thought, as discussed in C. Stephen Evans’ A History of Western Philosophy, involves intricate theological concepts that do not always have direct Arabic equivalents (Evans, 2018). For example, Augustine’s concept of “original sin” combines Platonic ideas of the soul’s fall with Christian doctrine, creating a term that is deeply rooted in both philosophical and theological traditions (Chadwick, 2001). Translators must navigate these complexities by employing strategies such as equation, substitution, amplification, reordering and reduction as outlined in Malone’s (1988) model to ensure both accuracy and readability. This study, a translation from English into Arabic of the chapter entitled “Early Christian Thought Through Augustine” and a critical commentary, applies Malone’s (1988) model of translation strategies to analyze the techniques used in the translation. The research aims to contribute to the understanding of how translation choices affect the linguistic and conceptual transfer of philosophical ideas into Arabic. Ultimately, the study seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of Malone’s model in preserving philosophical and theological nuance while ensuring readability in the target language. The commentary reflects on the translation process, highlighting the practical application of Malone’s strategies and their role in shaping the final translation. By addressing the following research questions How do Malone’s translation strategies apply to the translation of this text into Arabic? and Which of these strategies are most frequently used? And What are the major challenges encountered in translating this chapter into Arabic, and how can they be addressed using Malone’s model?

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science