POLYSEMY ANALYSIS IN THE TRANSLATION OF SURAH AL-WAQIAH BY DR. MUSTAFA KHATTAB

Abstract

This study aims to identify the types of polysemy, analyze the process of meaning change, and describe the contextual interpretation of polysemous words in the English translation of Surah Al-Waqiah by Dr. Mustafa Khattab. The primary focus of this research is to explore how complex sacred text meanings are transferred into English without losing their theological essence through precise lexical choices. This research employs a qualitative textual analysis method with a semantic analysis approach. Data were collected through a documentation study of The Clear Quran translation and analyzed using the lexical relations theory by John I. Saeed and cognitive semantic theory. Especially the polysemy theory. John I. Saeed defines polysemy as a universal human language that words have a certain plasticity of meaning that allows speakers to change their meanings to suit different usage contexts. The data analysis process followed Miles and Huberman’s interactive model, including data reduction, data display in analysis tables, and conclusion drawing. The results reveal 10 significant polysemous data points, classified into two types: Regular Polysemy (9 data) and Irregular Polysemy (1 data). The dominance of Regular Polysemy indicates that the translator tends to use words with systematic and productive patterns of meaning shift in English, such as spatial and vertical metaphors. The identified processes of meaning change are dominated by metaphorical extension through image schemas of position and direction, such as right, left, foremost, and elevate, as well as metonymical shifts in describing natural phenomena. Regarding translation strategy, Dr. Mustafa Khattab utilizes a literal translation method supported by explicitation techniques through the use of brackets to maintain theological accuracy and minimize the risk of semantic loss. These findings confirm that the use of appropriate semantic devices can bridge the limitations of human language in describing the transcendental reality of Judgment Day. This research contributes to the semantic study of the Quran and provides insights into linguistic strategies for translating sacred texts into English for modern readers.