Challenges in Arabic–English Journalistic Translation: A Critical Literature Review of Linguistic and Ideological Issues

Abstract

Translating news between Arabic and English is more complex than it may initially appear. The process is far more than the process of finding the same words, as it usually touches upon the structural differences, cultural allusions, and in most situations, the ideological pressure. This critical literature review is based on a narrative synthesis of 18 peer-reviewed studies published from 2023 to 2026 and explores the interaction of these factors in real journalistic practice. An even closer examination of the literature indicates that there are three common points of challenge. Firstly, structural and lexical differences between Arabic and English can be observed that have to be constantly adjusted to. Second, cultural and religious allusions are not always easily transferred, and this may interfere with reception of messages by various audiences. Third, and maybe more crucially, translation is not a vacuum, but is often influenced by institutional agendas, political postures, and broader discourses within which news is made. What emerges in these studies is that news translation is hardly an activity that is neutral. Rather, it appears to be a kind of negotiation, with linguistic decisions being affected by the cultural expectations and the institutional interests. Simultaneously, the current literature is also rather restricted in scope. There is a need to pay more attention especially regarding the digital media space and the stresses that are posed by the acceleration of news production cycles.