The Effect of Translation of Khayyam in the Arab world (Poly-system Theory in Focus)

Abstract

Introduction

The interconnectedness of global literatures is a well-established fact, and the enduring influence of Persian literature on the broader literary landscape is particularly noteworthy. This study delves into this dynamic relationship, specifically focusing on the reception and impact of the quatrains of the renowned Persian, Hakim Omar Khayyam, within the Arab world. Understanding the interplay between literature and society necessitates a robust theoretical framework capable of elucidating the reciprocal relationship between literary and social functions. To this end, Itamar Even-Zohar’s Poly-system Theory is posited as a particularly pertinent lens through which to examine the dynamics of translated literature and its integration within a target culture. Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, with their profound philosophical reflections and poetic artistry, represent a significant body of work that has transcended linguistic and cultural boundaries, making their reception in the Arab world a compelling case study for the application of Poly-system Theory.
This interdisciplinary study aims to investigate the role and impact of translation (both direct from Persian and indirect via other languages) in introducing Khayyam’s quatrains to the Arab world. It analyzes the extent to which Khayyam’s ideology and philosophical perspectives have been accepted and interpreted by Arab thinkers and within Arab literary circles. It also evaluates the applicability and efficacy of Even-Zohar’s Poly-system Theory in understanding the reception and positioning of translated Persian literature within the Arabic literary system, by comparing and contrasting the accuracy and fidelity of direct translations from Persian into Arabic with indirect translations in conveying Khayyam’s original thoughts and nuances.
This research attempts to address the following questions:

What are the primary ways (direct vs. indirect translation) through which Khayyam’s quatrains have entered the Arabic literary poly-system?
How has the position of translated Khayyam’s quatrains evolved within the Arabic literary poly-system over time?
To what extent does the Poly-system Theory effectively explain the acceptance, adaptation, and influence of Khayyam’s ideology within the Arab world?

 

Methodology

This study adopts an "analytical-descriptive" approach within the framework of comparative literature. It involves a close reading and comparative analysis of selected translations of Khayyam’s quatrains into Arabic, encompassing both direct translations from Persian and indirect translations from other languages (e.g., English). This study systematically applies the principles of Even-Zohar’s Poly-system Theory, examining the position of translated Khayyam within the Arabic literary system, the agents involved in the translation and dissemination process, and the norms influencing the reception of these translations. It also considers the historical and cultural contexts of both the source (Persian) and target (Arabic) literary systems to understand the factors influencing the translation and reception processes
 
 

Discussion

Khayyam’s perspective on existence is notably distinct from that of other Persian literary figures. While some thematic overlap with Arab literature can be attributed to cultural exchange, especially between neighboring regions like Iran and the Arab world, these interactions are best understood through the lens of polysystem theory.
       Khayyam’s exposure to the ideas of Abu al-Ala al-Ma'arri and ancient Iranian philosophy influenced the emergence of a unique voice in Persian literature, contributing to a new literary style referred to as young literature within the polysystem framework.
       His thoughts were introduced to the Arab world primarily through indirect translation, especially FitzGerald’s English rendition, which—despite its poetic strength—often failed to preserve the authenticity of Khayyam’s ideas. Many Arabic translators relied on FitzGerald’s version without referencing the original Persian, resulting in stylistic shifts and misrepresentation of the poet’s true character.
       However, the impact of these translations eventually inspired efforts to return to the original source language. Direct translations from Persian offered a more faithful representation of Khayyam’s work, helping to correct earlier misconceptions and elevate his literary status in the Arab world from peripheral to central, similar to his position in Western literary circles.
 

Conclusion

This study concludes that direct translations of Khayyam’s quatrains from Persian into Arabic have generally been more successful in accurately conveying the nuances of his thought and poetic expression compared to indirect translations. This is likely due to the reduced risk of misinterpretation and cultural filtering that can occur through intermediary languages. Furthermore, the study shows how the positioning of translated works within the Arabic literary poly-system, as described by Even-Zohar’s theory, has significantly influenced the reception and impact of Khayyam’s ideology. The study also indicates that the direct engagement with the source language (Persian) has facilitated a more authentic transmission of Khayyam’s original and profound insights into the Arab intellectual and literary landscape, thereby enriching the Arabic literary system with unique philosophical perspectives