The Kurdish Translation of Kelileh and Demna by Ahmad Ghazi: A Comparative Analysis of Introduction and “Boof va Zagh”

Kelileh and Demna, written by Nasrullah Munshi and translated into Kurdish by Ahmad Ghazi, is significant due to its specific translation techniques and features. Being familiar with the translation techniques, the translator tried to create a literary and artistic work in form and content. The present study adopted a comparative-analytical method to evaluate the Kurdish translation of Kelileh and Demna and sought to introduce it as an artistic translation of a literary work. Findings showed that the translator followed Nasrullah Munshi’s style in translating the meanings and concepts of the work and, more specifically, in all kinds of allusions, metaphors, sentences, and phrases. He also gave authenticity to his translation by applying some additions and omissions, changing the meanings and concepts of Arabic expressions, and adopting the equivalents of words and terms from the target language. At the same time, ignoring the nature of literary language and some translation principles, such as unjustified omissions and inconsistency, his work has some shortcomings in conveying both the form and the content.