Quranic intertextuality: Covert and Overt Translation in Nizar Qabbani and Ghada Al-Samman Poetry

Abstract

This descriptive-analytical study aims to analyze selected poems by Qabbani and al-Samman containing Quranic references, comparing overt and covert translations to assess their effectiveness in preserving meaning, style, and cultural depth. The findings will contribute to ongoing debates in translation studies on balancing fidelity to the source culture with accessibility for the target audience. This study adopts a qualitative analytical approach to examine the impact of overt and covert translation strategies on the comprehension of Quranic intertextuality in selected poems by Nizar Qabbani and Ghada al-Samman. The methodology integrates textual analysis, comparative translation study, and cultural-semiotic interpretation. The analysis reveals a trade-off between faithfulness to the Quranic intertextuality and accessibility for the target reader. For scholarly and culturally informed audiences, overt translation preserves essential religious and cultural layers. For broader readerships, covert translation improves understanding and emotional resonance but may obscure the text’s sacred intertextual roots.