• Zaidan Ali Jassem

  Author

This paper aims to critically evaluate Al-Hilali and Khan’s translation of
the Holy Quran on several levels of linguistic and non-linguistic analysis. Although
the study covers the whole work, the data consists of 261 instances which markedly
diverge from normal English usage. The results indicate that the translation is replete
with errors grammatically, lexically, stylistically, and discoursally. The errors are due
to language transfer, overgeneralizations, ignorance of rule restrictions, and
language/faith loyalty. The main conclusion is that while the translators tried very
hard to present a factually accurate and linguistically faithful translation into English,
the end product was too literal and so of no good practical value. The English is not
only weak and awkward but also repels the reader from the text, thus discouraging
him to carry on the joy of reading and learning.

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