A Descriptive Analysis for the Translation of Metonymy in the Prophetic Hadith

Abstract

Metonymy as a figurative aspect of language is problematic in translation. It utilizes
"contiguity” to convey meaning. Approximation in metonymy coalesces dissimilar meanings
and adds power to the structure. The present paper tackles this figurative use within religious
environment, i.e. Prophetic Hadith. The paper examines, reviews and analyses some examples
that utilize this figurative use along with their translations. A descriptive analysis is used as a
theoretical basis to handle the data. Two translations for the Forty Hadiths of Anawawi are
considered for this purpose. One of the key results of the present paper is that metonymic
expressions are employed as an effective means for conveying Prophetic meanings and hence
need a special treatment in translation. Translators followed the same procedures in rendering
metonymic items. Notes should accompany translations to clarify meaning.