Using Grice’s Maxims to Assess Literary Translation: Fluency, Accuracy, and Cultural Appropriateness

Section: Research Paper
Published
Jun 24, 2025
Pages
203-217

Abstract

As translation assessment is one of many interests in translation studies, the current research aims to apply H. P. Grices maxims (Quantity, Quality, Relation, and Manner) as tools for assessing the quality of literary translations from English into Arabic. It also supposes that adherence to these maxims contributes to achieving fluency, accuracy, and cultural appropriateness in the target text. Goldings Lord of the Flies (1954) and its two Arabic translations, Al-Jammal (2000) and Nassars (2014) novels, are taken to be compared in terms of applying and adhering to the four maxims. By the analysis of the two Arabic-translated works through the lens of the maxims, the research aims to assess how translators tackle the challenges of conveying the intended meaning, maintaining natural language flow, achieving accuracy, and adapting cultural references for the Arabic reader. Accordingly, the findings will contribute to a more comprehensive framework for assessing literary translation quality, ensuring that the translated work effectively communicates the author's message and resonates with the target reader.

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How to Cite

Al-Zubaidy, H., هيفاء, Ahmed Abdulrahman AlQaza, A., & عبدالرحمن. (2025). Using Grice’s Maxims to Assess Literary Translation: Fluency, Accuracy, and Cultural Appropriateness. Adab Al-Rafidayn, 54(99), 203–217. https://doi.org/10.33899/radab.2024.149862.02147