Pragmalinguistics in the Spanish Translation of Humorous Discourse

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the relevance of the pragmalinguistic factor in the processes of translation of humorous discourse from Arabic into Spanish, specifically in the work of the Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz. The selection of this author’s narrative as the basis of the present work is due to the increase in the number of published translations of his works into other languages, including Spanish, especially in the last two decades. On many occasions, the lack or difficulty of transferring the humorous discourse into Spanish as the target language is observed, due to the lack of involvement of the pragmalinguistic factor in the translation process. In this sense, we will carry out a pragmatic analysis of some fragments of the Egyptian writer’s work, to verify the influence of this factor in the success or failure of the translation process of the humorous discourse. We will also provide answers to some of the difficulties encountered in the translation process, to guarantee the hilarious effect for the reader in the target language. The result of this analysis may help in future translations of the writer’s works, as well as in the translation of humorous discourse in general.