Investigating the representation of Afro-American woman identity in the translation of The

Color Purple

Abstract

The study aims at analyzing the translation of Alice Walker’s novel the Color Purple (1982)
translated by Sizar Kbibo (2018) to Arabic language. By applying Boase-Beier's stylistic analysis
approach to translation, with the excerpts chosen from source book, this thesis analyzes
language, form and structure, imagery and sentence structure of the novel and its Arabic
translation to uncover deeper meanings and understand the author's intentions and how the
identity of Afro-American female characters reflected in the translated text accordingly. It sheds
light on the use of dialect in the novel to depict the identity of the characters. It highlights the
relationship between identity and language, as the use of dialect is closely related to the social
status of characters in the novel.
This study focuses on to what extent the stylistic features in the novel can be reflected to Arabic
language. The study also investigates whether the translator retains the same style of the original
text or whether it is manipulated in the translated text. The study concludes that the translator
translates the text in a style that is completely different from the original text, and that there is a
lack of complete fidelity in the translation process.

Key words: stylistic approach, dialect, the Color Purple, Afro-American woman, identity

‫ملخص‬

‫ة‬QQ‫) للغ‬2018( ‫بيبو‬QQ‫) التي ترجمتها سيزر ك‬1982( "‫تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى تحليل ترجمة رواية أليس ووكر "اللون األرجواني‬
‫ل‬Q‫ تحل‬،‫لي‬Q‫اب األص‬Q‫ارة من الكت‬Q‫اطع المخت‬Q‫ع المق‬Q‫ وم‬،‫ فمن خالل تطبيق نهج جين بوزى في التحليل األسلوبي للترجمة‬. ‫العربية‬
‫ق وفهم‬Q‫اني األعم‬Q‫ف المع‬Q‫هذه األطروحة اللغة والشكل والبنية والصور الشعرية وبنية الجملة في الرواية وترجمتها العربية لكش‬
‫لط‬QQ‫ا تس‬QQ‫ كم‬.‫ذلك‬QQ‫ترجم وفًق ا ل‬QQ‫ريقي في النص الم‬QQ‫ل أف‬QQ‫ة من أص‬QQ‫ائية األمريكي‬QQ‫نوايا المؤلف وكيف عكست هوية الشخصيات النس‬
‫ة‬QQ‫ة بين الهوي‬QQ‫الدراسة `الضوء على استخدام اللهجة كوسيلة لتصوير هوية الشخصيات في هذه الرواية و تؤكد على اهمية العالق‬
‫ة عكس‬QQ‫دى إمكاني‬QQ‫ تركز هذه الدراسة على م‬.‫واللغه الن استخدام اللهجة يتجلى في المواقف االجتماعية للشخصيات في الرواية‬
‫لي ام تم‬QQ‫لوب النص االص‬QQ‫ه احتفظت بنفس اس‬QQ‫انت المترجم‬QQ‫د تم البحث ان ك‬QQ‫ وق‬.‫السمات األسلوبية في الرواية إلى اللغة العربية‬
‫ و قد انتهت الدراسه بان المترجمة ترجمت النص باسلوب يختلف تماما عن النص االصلي ولم‬. ‫التالعب به في النص المترجم‬
.‫يتم االلتزام باالمانه التامة في عملية الترجمة‬

‫الكلمات االفتتاحي‬

‫ الهوية‬،‫ المرأه االمريكية االفريقية‬،‫ اللون االرجواني‬، ‫ اللهجة‬،‫النهج األسلوبي‬

Introduction

Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" is an exceptionally remarkable and thought-provoking novel
that delves into the lives of African-American women during the early 20th century. The novel
explores a myriad of themes, including the pervasive issues of racism, sexism, and the arduous
struggle for self-identity. In order to thoroughly examine and analyze the representation of the
multifaceted identities of Afro-American women, it is pertinent to employ the stylistic approach
of Jean Boase-Beier. In her exploration of style and translation (2006), Jean Boase-Beier
highlights the inherent subjectivity of style interpretation, rendering an exact stylistic
equivalence between the source text (ST) and the target text (TT) unattainable. Boase-Beier's
approach places a significant emphasis on the role of language and narrative techniques in
shaping the identities of characters, making it an ideal framework for this comprehensive
analysis.

Research questions

This study addresses the following questions:

1. How are the identities of Afro-American female characters represented in the original and
in the translated text?
2. How is the use of dialect closely related to the social status of female characters in the
novel?
3. To what extent is the style of the original novel preserved in the target text?

Objectives of the study

The study has the following objectives:

 To investigate how the identity of Afro-American female characters is depicted in the

original and in the translated text as shown in The Color Purple.
 To reveal how the way female characters use dialect in the novel is closely linked to their
social status.
 To trace Alice Walker’s stylistic devices used in the original novel and if they are
employed in the translation or not.
Significance of the thesis

Investigating the representation of Afro-American woman identity in the translation of The Color
Purple is a significant contribution to the existing body of literature in a number of ways:

 It sheds light on the challenges and complexities of translating marginalized voices. Alice
Walker's novel The Color Purple is a powerful and moving exploration of the lives of
Afro-American women in the early 20th century. The novel's unique style, which
includes the use of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE), has been the subject
of much study and debate. Investigating how the novel's style and its representation of
Afro-American woman identity are rendered in translation can provide valuable insights
into the challenges of translating marginalized voices.
 It contributes to our understanding of the role of translation in shaping cultural identity.
Translation is not a neutral act. It is always shaped by the cultural, social, and political
contexts in which it takes place. Investigating how The Color Purple has been translated
into one and only Arabic version can help us to understand how translation can be used to
shape and reinforce cultural stereotypes or to challenge and subvert them.

 This research can add knowledge of analytical studies of literary works, especially in the
research of novels that utilize the stylistic approach.

Literature Review

In essence, style refers to the particular way language is used in a specific context. While style is
a broad term that can be challenging to define, this concise definition captures its general
meaning. The context of style can vary widely, encompassing a diverse spectrum of fields. Style
is closely linked to the linguistic concept of register, which can also be defined as the variation of
language used in a particular context for a specific purpose (Boase-Beier, 2011, p. 153). Register
refers to the variation of language, while style refers to the preferred language choice within a
given context. As a result, style overlaps with the concept of register.

The stylistic approach in translation is a method that focuses on preserving the style of the source
text (ST) in the target text (TT). This approach emphasizes the importance of linguistic features,
such as word choice, sentence structure, imagery, and rhythm, in conveying the author's intent
and creating a desired effect on the reader. Translators who adopt the stylistic approach aim to
produce TTs that not only accurately convey the meaning of the ST but also replicate its unique
stylistic qualities.

The origins of the stylistic approach can be traced back to the work of Russian linguist Lev
Vinogradov, who proposed a stylistic theory that distinguished between the "language system"
and the "language norm" (Vinogradov, 1925). According to Vinogradov, the language system
provides the basic building blocks of language, while the language norm reflects the habitual
usage of these blocks in a particular context or genre. Stylistic variation arises from the way
language users deviate from the norm for specific purposes or effects.

The stylistic approach in translation gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with the
work of scholars like J.A. Catford, Peter Newmark, and Gideon Toury. Catford (1965)
introduced the concept of "literary translation" as a distinct category, emphasizing the need to
preserve the stylistic and aesthetic qualities of literary texts in translation. Newmark (1988)
proposed a descriptive model of translation that incorporated stylistic considerations, suggesting
that translation choices should be guided by the "communicative purpose" of the text. Toury
(1995) developed the concept of "norms of translation" to explain how stylistic norms and
conventions influence translation practices within different cultural and historical contexts.

In recent years, the stylistic approach has continued to evolve, incorporating insights from
various disciplines, including linguistics, literary criticism, and cognitive science. Researchers
have explored the role of stylistic features in shaping reader responses, the challenges of
translating stylistic nuances across cultures, and the potential of stylistic analysis to inform
translation pedagogy. Here are some examples of significant contributions to the literature on
stylistic approach in translation:

Mary Snell-Hornby who firstly and comprehensively discussed style in literary translation in
her work titled Translation Studies: An Integrated Approach (1995).
Baker, Mona’s “In Other Words” (1995), a coursebook on translation, provides a
comprehensive overview of translation theories and practices, including a detailed discussion of
the stylistic approach. Baker emphasizes the importance of stylistic analysis in translation and
offers practical guidelines for translators to consider when dealing with stylistic features.
In his book "Translation and the Trials of the Foreign" (2000), Antoine Berman proposes a
method for analyzing the translation of vernacular networks and other elements. Despite not
being explicitly labeled as a stylistic approach in translation studies, Berman's analysis addresses
a wide range of stylistic concerns, such as the translation of linguistic patterns and rhythms.
Berman's approach can be considered a stylistic approach due to its emphasis on stylistic
elements in both the source and target texts.

Jean Boase-Beier has emerged as a leading scholar in the field of stylistics in translation
studies, thanks to her groundbreaking works published between 2004 and 2006. Her
contributions have substantially enriched the field's understanding of stylistic approaches in
translation, complementing the work of other notable scholars like Kirsten Malmkjær (2004),
who conceptualized the term "translational stylistics." In her book “Stylistic Approaches to
Translation” Routledge (2006), Boase-Beier offers a focused exploration of the stylistic
approach, examining its theoretical underpinnings, its application to different types of texts, and
its implications for translation practice. Boase-Beier argues that stylistic considerations should be
integral to the translation process, not as an afterthought but as an essential element of faithful
rendering. Boase-Beier examines a variety of disciplines and theoretical approaches including
stylistics, literary criticism, and narratology to investigate how we translate style. Some of the
issues addressed are the link between style and meaning, the interpretation of stylistic clues in
the text, the difference between literary and non-literary texts, and more practical questions about
the recreation of stylistic effects. She considers how insights into the nature and importance of
style might affect the actual translation of literary and non-literary texts. As a result, this thesis
will use Boase-Beier 's translation analysis as its theoretical framework. This methodology is
discussed in depth in the next part.

Geoffrey Leech and Mick Short define style as the distinctive use of language in their
influential book, Style in Fiction: A Linguistic Introduction to English Fictional Prose, which is
considered a groundbreaking work in the field of stylistics (Leech & Short, 2007). While style
is present in various types of texts, literary style, which refers to style in literary works, is the
most extensively studied aspect of stylistic studies. They define stylistics “as an exercise in
describing what use is made of language”. Stylistics seeks to unravel the deeper layers of
meaning embedded within a text. It goes beyond simply comprehending the literal meaning of
words and sentences, delving into the linguistic tools that shape the text's overall message. By
analyzing style, stylistics illuminates the hidden meanings, unspoken suggestions, and
interpretations that readers derive from the text.

Lawrence Venuti in his book “The Translator's Invisibility”(2008), offers a critical

perspective on the stylistic approach, arguing that the emphasis on preserving the ST's style can
lead to the erasure of the translator's identity and the suppression of the TT's own cultural
context. Venuti calls for a more dynamic and interventionist approach to translation that
acknowledges the interplay of power and ideology in the translation process.

Hye-Kyung Lee’s book “Style and Translation”, (2009) explores the role of cognitive
stylistics in translation, examining how stylistic features are processed and interpreted by
readers. Lee suggests that cognitive stylistics can provide valuable insights into the challenges
and potential solutions for translating stylistic effects.

stylistics offers valuable tools for translation scholars to analyze the "textual-conceptual
functions" (Jeffries 2014) of a text and recognize their transformation during translation. This
implies understanding how linguistic resources convey meaning and how those meanings are
recontextualized through translation.

Stylistics delves into the stylistic devices employed in a text at all levels of variation. As
Bousfield (2014, p. 118) notes, it investigates "the linguistic construction of the writing style of
literary authors." It examines how grammatical, semantic, syntactic, lexical, and figurative
elements are utilized to enhance the clarity and impact of a literary work. Bousfield ties a direct
connection between how readers comprehend, appreciate, and evaluate texts and style, and how
characters are described linguistically. Stylistic analysis strives to produce a comprehensive
study that considers the text, its context, and the reader.

According to Barry (2017), and drawing on the insights of linguistics, stylistics employs
rigorous methods to examine literary texts. It seeks to pinpoint how the technical linguistic
components of a literary work, such as grammatical structure, contribute to its overall meaning.

The stylistic approach in translation continues to be a vibrant area of research and debate. As
translation studies expands its scope and engages with new theoretical frameworks, the stylistic
approach is likely to play an even more prominent role in understanding and practicing
translation. By focusing on the stylistic nuances of the ST, translators can create TTs that not
only convey meaning but also capture the unique voice and artistry of the original text.

Methodology

This study employs Jean Boase Beier's stylistic approach to translation (2006) to examine
“The Color Purple”. The descriptive and comparative method is well-suited for achieving the
study's objectives and facilitates a comprehensive analysis of the data.

This research explores the stylistic aspects of Alice Walker's The Color Purple, particularly the
use of language nuances and stylistic elements to convey underlying themes. It examines how
these nuances are translated, determining whether they are preserved, modified, or lost in the
process. Additionally, it investigates how these stylistic choices influence the representation of
identities in the translated version.

Six examples from the original text are chosen to illustrate each stylistic nuance as illustrated in
the table1 below. These examples are then compared to their translations to determine whether
the distinct characteristics of the original language are preserved or altered in the translation. Six
examples are deemed sufficient to establish whether language nuances and stylistic elements
under consideration appear in a consistent and repetitive pattern in the translated text. As a result,
these chosen examples will provide a deeper understanding of the writing styles of both the
original and translated texts and will answer the question of whether the style of the original texts
is retained and reflected in the translated text.

Tools Analysis

Jean Boase-Beier's stylistic approach to translation emphasizes the importance of maintaining the stylistic
features and nuances of the source text in the translation. When applying this approach to the analysis of a
translated novel, several tools and considerations should be considered:

1-Lexical Choices:
The researcher scrutinizes how the translator handles the vocabulary of the source text. Are the lexical
choices in the translation faithful to the tone, register, and nuances of the original?

2- Sentence Structure:
The researcher analyzes how the translator reproduces or adjusts sentence structures. the syntax and
overall sentence organization are considered to ensure that the stylistic features of the original are
preserved.
3- Rhythm and Flow:
The rhythm and flow of the language will be discussed. Boase-Beier emphasizes the importance of
capturing the musicality and cadence of the source text in the translation.
4-Cultural Nuances:
How cultural nuances are conveyed in the translation will be considered. This includes idiomatic
expressions, cultural references, and any elements that contribute to the source text's cultural richness.
5-Tone and Register:
How the translator manages tone and register will be evaluated. The research will discuss that the
emotional and stylistic nuances of the original text are retained in the translation or not.
6-Figurative Language:
The research will examine how figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and other rhetorical
devices, is treated in the translation. The translator should strive to convey the intended meaning and
impact of these elements.
7-character voices
How the translator renders the voices of different characters will be discussed. Each character may have a
distinct linguistic style, and the translator should aim to capture these individual voices.
8-Dialogue:
The research will discuss how the translator renders dialect in dialogue and whether dialogue sounds
natural and authentic in the target language or not while maintaining the character's voice and the
conversational style of the original.
9-Stylistic Devices:
The use of various stylistic devices will be Identified, such as repetition, parallelism, and other rhetorical
techniques. The research will examine if the translator strives to reproduce these devices in a way that
resonates with the source text or not.

Data and discussion

“The Color Purple” ‫اللون االرجواني‬

"The Color Purple" by Alice Walker is a powerful novel that follows the life of Celie, an African
American woman, through letters she writes to God and later to her sister Nettie. Set in the early
20th century, the novel explores themes of racism, sexism, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Celie endures years of abuse from her father, leading her to believe she is unworthy and
unlovable. However, her life takes a transformative turn when she forms a deep and intimate
 bond with the singer Shug Avery. Shug becomes a source of strength and love for Celie, helping
her find her voice and realize her worth.
The novel also delves into the lives of other women in Celie's community, addressing issues of
domestic violence, discrimination, and the search for identity. Throughout the narrative, Walker
weaves a rich tapestry of relationships, spirituality, and self-discovery.
As Celie matures and gains independence, the novel explores themes of empowerment,
sisterhood, and the importance of reclaiming one's identity. "The Color Purple" is a poignant
exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of hope and love
in the face of adversity.
Comparison between Source and Target Text
A comparative analysis between the original and translated text according to Jean Boase-Beier's
stylistic approach aims to assess how well the stylistic elements, nuances, and features of the
source text are preserved or adapted in the translation. The goal is to understand how the
translator navigates the challenges of conveying not only the literal meaning but also the stylistic
essence of the original work.
Findings and discussions
1-lexical choice
2- sentence structure
The sentence structure in The Color Purple also provides an opportunity for stylistic analysis.
Alice Walker employs a mix of short, fragmented sentences and longer, more flowing sentences
to create a rhythmic and dynamic prose style. This variation in sentence structure reflects the
characters' voices, emotions, and thoughts, adding a sense of authenticity and realism to the
narrative. It also contributes to the pacing and overall impact of the story, creating tension and
emphasizing key moments.

Stylistic nuance Source text Target text Discussion

1- Dialect - And now I feels sick ‫و ها أنا اآلن أشعر بالقرف‬ - The translated texts do not
every time I be the capture the vernacular or
‫متى حان دوري في‬
one to cook.
- I don’t never git used .‫الطهي‬ dialectical elements present in
to it” ‫لكنني لن أعتاد عليه أبدًا‬ - the English source texts. The
- “He say, Naw, Can’t Arabic translation appears to
say I is” ‫ ال يمكنني قول ذلك‬:‫أجاب‬ -
- She say Naw, I ain’t use standard Arabic without
gonna. incorporating specific
- “You miss em? I ast ‫ ال استطيع األن‬:‫قالت له‬ -
dialectical features that might
 mirror the vernacular English
used in the original text.
Idioms -She be dress to kill, whirling - ‫ تتمايل و‬،‫ ترتدي فستانا فاتنًا‬- The use of "to kill" in this
and laughing. ‫تضحك‬. context suggests that the person's
choice of clothing is so striking
or alluring that it has the
potential to captivate or impress
others strongly. It implies a level
of sophistication and confidence.
3- Register and Tone -"I'm pore, I'm black, I may This quote reflects the
be ugly and can't cook, a resilience of the speaker, who,
voice say to everything despite societal judgments,
listening. But I'm here." asserts her presence and
strength.
Connotation -It’s time to leave you and The word "Creation" is

enter into the Creation capitalized, signaling its

importance. It refers to the act of
bringing something into
existence.
- The use of the word "black" in
- You black, you pore, you this context suggests racial
ugly, you a woman. prejudice. The use of the word
"woman" is employed by Albert
to reinforce gender bias.
Similie You satisfied that what you The simile suggests that Shug's

want, Shug say, cool as coolness or composure

resembles the thickness or
clabber.
coolness of clabbered milk.
Metaphor I’m waiting for the feathers - a metaphorical expression
to fly. indicating anticipation or
- Either your money, your expectation of a conflict or
land, your woman or your disagreement.
ass.

Religious reference - "Dear God, I am fourteen At the beginning of the novel,

 years old. I have always Celie writes letters to God,
been a good girl” expressing her pain, anger, and
longing for love. She believes
that God is a punishing force,
responsible for her suffering and
the injustices she has
experienced.
Sound devices -Mr. _____ start to sputter. serves to emphasize the speaker's
Repetition/alliteration ButButButButBut. stuttering or sputtering

- He begin to sputter, sputter,

just like his daddy
Hyperbole -all us together gon whup your -The exaggerated expression
ass. adds intensity to the threat or
- I curse you. say, Until you assertion, emphasizing the

do right by me, everything strength and unity of the group.

- This hyperbole reflects the
you touch will crumble.
depth of her anger and her desire
for revenge.
Parallelism I got love, I got work, I got It creates a rhythmic and
money balanced expression.
Cultural reference - Well, you know wherever It reflects the prevailing
there’s a man, there’s patriarchal attitudes that often
trouble
portray men as the source of
conflict or disruption. This
notion is rooted in societal norms
that associate masculinity with
aggression, dominance, and a
tendency to cause trouble.
Historical reference -take out her slop-jar. It is a euphemism for emptying a
bedpan or chamber pot. It is a
term that is often used in
historical settings, particularly in
the 19th and early 20th centuries,
when indoor plumbing was not
as common as it is today.
Onomatopoeia -Then she really boo-hoo. making the reader feel more
connected to the scene or event
being depicted.
Word choice -I want to sing, say Squeak. using the shift from "want" to
-I need to sing, say Squeak. "need" to convey a deepening
sense of desire or urgency.
- "Mammy" historically refers to
a stereotype of Black women
-It'd kill your mammy” who worked as domestic
servants, particularly in the
southern United States during

the era of slavery and beyond.

In this context, it connotes the
idea of personal sacrifice or
submission, particularly in a
-Either your money, your
situation where individuals are
land, your woman or your
ass. faced with oppressive forces or
demands.

Spelling - limbszzzz... The elongation of the "z" or

- She say, Yesssss ...
“s” sound make the
like they say it on the
radio. characters' reactions more
vivid and memorable.
Phrases how Suzie Q take to Sofia The use of "take to" is more
subtle than "love" and suggests a
-
relationship that is still
developing and maturing.
In The Color Purple, Walker incorporates Southern dialect and African-American Vernacular
English to give the characters a distinct voice and to reflect their cultural backgrounds. For
example, the character of Celie, who is portrayed as a poor, uneducated African-American
woman, speaks in a unique dialect that is marked by non-standard grammar and pronunciation.
This intentional use of language helps to convey Celie's identity and experiences and adds an
authentic and depth dimension to her character and allows readers to connect with her on a
deeper level. The stark contrast between Celie's informal dialect and Nettie's formal Standard
English highlights their distinct personalities.
Example 1

This contrast is evident when they express the same sentiment, "Pa is not our father," using
different language styles (Nettie - "Pa is not our pa!" and Celie - "Pa not Pa."). The
translator's ability to capture these stylistic nuances in the translation is a crucial aspect to
consider.

1- Source text: Netti - "Pa is not our father!"

Target text: “‫”!بابا ليس أبانا‬

2- Source text: Celie -"Pa not pa!"

Target text: “‫”أبي ليس أبي‬

This contrast is evident when they express the same sentiment, "Pa is not our father," using
different language styles. In Netti speech, the translator captures the same style which is formal
in the translated text ‫ بابا ليس أبانا‬and which reflects Netti’s degree of education. But Celie speech
is somewhat informal. However, in The Arabic translation, "‫ "أبي ليس أبي‬is more formal and does
not convey the exact nuance of Celie’s language.

Example 2

 Source text: "But I don't never get used to it."

 Translated text: "‫”لكنني لن اعتاد عليه ابدا‬

This quote encapsulates the ongoing pain, frustration and trauma that Celie carries from the
abuse she endures. In this particular instance, the double negative serves to reinforce the
speaker's sense of disbelief and resignation. The repetition of the negative word "never"
underscores the idea that Celie has repeatedly encountered something unpleasant or unfamiliar,
yet she has still not become accustomed to it. This repetition also conveys a sense of frustration
and exasperation, highlighting her inability to adapt to the situation. The use of informal
language, including the double negative, creates a sense of authenticity and relatability. It
suggests that Celie is expressing her thoughts and feelings in a natural, unfiltered way, rather
than adhering to strict grammatical rules. This informality can make Celie’s words more
engaging and memorable for the listener.
The formal translation "‫ "لكنني لن اعتاد عليه ابدًا‬does not fully reflect Celie's down-to-earth way of
speaking. The use of formal language and the absence of double negation make the translation
sound more distant and less authentic. To better capture Celie's vernacular style, the researcher
would recommend the following changes:

 Replace the formal word "‫( "اعتاد‬ʿatad) with the informal word "‫( "تعود‬tʿāwad), and the
formal word "‫( "ابدا‬ʾabadan) with the more colloquial word "‫( "عمري‬ʿumrī). This would
make the translation sound more colloquial and consistent with Celie's way of speaking.

 Reinforce the negation using double negation. For example, "‫"لكنني ما راح اتعود عليه ابدا‬
(lakinni mā rāḥ atʿawwad ʿalayh abadan) would convey the same emphatic denial as the
original sentence. These changes would help to preserve Celie's authentic voice and make
the translation more faithful to the original text.

1-2 connotations

The Color Purple" by Alice Walker is rich with language that carries connotations, adding depth
and layers of meaning.

Source text: “I’m pore, I’m black, I may be ugly and can’t cook, a voice say to everything

listening. But I’m here.”

Target text: “ " ‫ لكنني مازلت‬.‫ و ربما قبيحة و طاهية فاشلة‬،‫انا فقيرة و سوداء اي نعم‬: ‫قال الصوت مسمعًا كل سامع‬
‫هنا‬

In the quoted passage the connotations carry a strong sense of social and personal identity, as
well as resilience.
"I'm pore" (poor):
This suggests economic struggle, hardship, and perhaps societal marginalization. The word
"pore" (non-standard spelling of "poor") may also carry a colloquial or regional connotation.
"I'm black":
In the historical and social context of the novel, being "black" carries connotations of racial
identity, systemic racism, and the challenges faced by African Americans. It's a direct
acknowledgment of the character's racial identity and the societal implications associated with it.
"I may be ugly":
This phrase carries connotations of self-perception, societal beauty standards, and the potential
impact of appearance on how one is perceived by others. It touches on themes of self-esteem and
societal judgments based on physical appearance.
"And can't cook":
This adds another layer, possibly suggesting that the character doesn't conform to traditional
gender roles or stereotypes. It may imply a lack of domestic skills, challenging societal
expectations.
"A voice say to everything listening":
The presence of a voice and the idea of "everything listening" connotes a sense of internal
dialogue or self-reflection. The character's thoughts are projected outward, as if addressing not
just themselves but the entire world or the forces around them.
"But I'm here":
This is a powerful declaration of existence and resilience. Despite the perceived societal
shortcomings mentioned earlier, the statement "But I'm here" carries a connotation of strength,
endurance, and an assertion of the individual's right to exist and be acknowledged.
In summary, the connotations in this passage encompass themes of poverty, racial identity,
beauty standards, gender roles, self-perception, and resilience. The character is acknowledging
societal judgments but asserting their presence and agency in the face of adversity.

The Arabic translation also uses some words and meanings that convey the same connotation
as the original phrase. For example, the word "‫ "مسمعًا كل سامع‬indicates that the message is
addressed to everyone, including those who might reject or judge the speaker. And the word "
‫ "مازلت هنا‬signifies a refusal to give up or give in. Overall, the Arabic translation of the phrase is
accurate and effective in conveying the original meaning.

1-3 Syntactic feature

ST： “I am I have always been a good girl.”

TT: “‫”انا فتاه صالحة لطالما كنت فتاه صالحة‬

Cultural Context:

Afro-American identity is deeply rooted in a specific cultural context. Boase-Beier emphasizes

the importance of understanding cultural elements in translation. Evaluate how cultural
references, idioms, and contextual elements are handled in the translated text.

Stylistic Choices:

Examine the stylistic choices made by the translator. This could include the use of figurative
language, tone, and the overall mood of the text. Determine how these choices contribute to or
modify the representation of identities in the translated version.

Character Voices:

In "The Color Purple," characters have distinct voices and narrative styles. Assess how the
translator captures the unique voices of Afro-American female characters. Consider whether the
translated text maintains the individuality and authenticity of each character.

Impact on Reader Reception:

Boase-Beier's approach often considers how translation choices impact the reception of the text
by readers. Reflect on how the translated version may shape the reader's perception of the
identities of Afro-American female characters compared to the original.

Conclusion

Structure of the Dissertation

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