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Project STATUS
PHASE 2
Phase 2: Text Translation and Printing - Work in Progress
As we have completed the first phase of the project tens of thousands of Rohingya people around the world have praised the Quran translation work and have consistently expressed their support through learning, teaching, promoting and sharing the translation. Many schools in Bangladesh and Malaysia have incorporated Quran translation into their curriculum. As we move into the second phase of the project, which is translating the Quran into Rohingya language script, the goal is to transcribe the existing verbal translation and compile it into downloadable and printed versions. As we move forward, there will be various technical and linguistic challenges to overcome, as well as the adoption of specific methodology.
TRANSLATION CHALLENGES
Rohingya has been an oral language without a writing system for decades until late 70s. Though the writing system evolved in late 70s, its popularity is halted by the exposure of its speakers to a systematic genocide. Hence there are no literature nor intellectual works in this language until it has become almost a half-dead language. The usage of the language is to expressing the needs of their daily life only. The writing was banned in their homeland and those in the lands of migration were also struggling to survive and were influenced by the local languages. Many terms disappeared, while many others are replaced by terms from other languages.
The translation of the Quran into this target language was perhaps the first attempt to translate such a highly eloquent text to Rohingya. This difficulty is comprising of three aspects: translation of words, sentences and eloquence. In this regard, several individuals with linguistic, cultural, geographical and religious expertise are consulted. Sometimes, to translate certain words, several words, a phrase, or even a sentence is needed. It was tough but finally successful. It just took longer than expected time.
TECHNICAL CHALLENGES
Rohingya language was Unicoded in 2017 after many years of struggle. Unicode is the first building block of any language into the digital world that can used across multiple platforms, but the journey continues for adoption and integration of the language into different platforms.
Today there are many obstacles for typing or write Rohingya script over digital devices and operating systems. We need to build special keyboard, font and many other digital tools to be able to write in computers and laptops.
Part of the project is to dedicate a technical team to facilitate the technical infrastructure to enable the Rohingya script that can be utilised to type, edit and design the Quranic layout for multiple purpose including hard copy print.
TRANSLATION METHODOLOGY
Interpretative translation of the Quranic texts, i.e., the transfer of meanings, which is more focused on the connotations and intentions of the words. This translation stands for expressing the connotations of the Arabic terms in Rohingya words while complying with all meanings and purposes of the Quran, as opposed to the literal translation that imitates the original text in its synthesis and order.
A simple explanation of any obscure verse or word that is difficult to understand from the translation is put following the translation of the verse. This is to explain for instance the referent of a pronoun, background story, reason of revelation; individual, people or place meant in the verse; things with multiple names like the Day of Judgement, hell, etc.; ruling on some issues, etc.
In the beginning light is shed on the contents of the surah, topics and purposes, place of revelation, number of verses, its serial number in the list of surahs.
At-Tafsir Al-Muyassar, Tafsir Al-Saadi, Tafsir Al-Tabari, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, and Tafsir Al-Jalalayn, I’rab al-Quran, Ibn Ashur, Tafsir al-Tantawi, Tafsir al-Baghwi are referred to for the intended meaning.
It also referred to some translations (Bengali, Urdu, English and Burmese) published by King Fahd Quran Complex for easy translation and to find some terms common in both languages
WORKFLOW
The 2nd phase of the project will be divided into four different segments in order to achieve the objectives.
Technological Framework
- Rohingya font sketch and typography
- Typeface and digital illustration
- Font development and deployment
- Rohingya Keyboard development
- Typing tools and Text editor deployment
- Digital format and backup
Linguistic and Translation
- Transcribing the verbal translation
- Typing in Rohingya script
- Translation and revision
- Linguistic review
- Editing and proofreading
Layout Design and Proofreading
- Quran layout design
- Cover page design and size
- Typography and outline
- Placing Ayah and Translation
- Adjustment and review
- Editing and proofreading
Print and Distribution
- Test print and assessment
- Final Edit and proofreading
- Review and Adjustment
- Printing 2000 copies
- Distribution (Malaysia, Bangladesh, KSA)
The project requires a team of dedicated people with diverse backgrounds such as linguistics, translation, understanding of Quran and Deen, technical personnel such as font designers, typography, editing tools, layout and so on, as well as martials, equipment and other resources.
