الممارسات اللّغويّة
Volume 16, Numéro 2, Pages 547-577
2025-12-26

Subjectivity In Algerian French Literature: A Critical Study Of The Novel Zakirat Al-jasad By Ahlem Mostaghanemi And Its French Translation Mémoire De La Chair By Mohammed Mokeddem As A Model.

Authors : Moudoud Massissilia .

Abstract

Many challenges arise when translating literary works. One of the most intricate obstacles to overcome is the subjectivity of a translator and the translation of culture-bound terms (cultureme), given their originality, specificity, and complexity—not only from a linguistic perspective but, more importantly, from a cultural one. As a result, the concept of "culture" and everything associated with it become a determining factor in the translation process between two different languages and distinct cultures. To ensure the optimal transfer of culturemes from the source language to the target language, should the translator opt for linguistic adaptation or cultural transcreation, and what about their subjectivity? Our paper consists of two parts: a theoretical part and a practical one. In the theoretical section, we will first address the notion of "culture" in all its dimensions before addressing the close relationship between "language" and "culture" as established in hermeneutic theory. We will then conduct a detailed study of culturemes, drawing on the works of various translation scholars in the field. Finally, the practical section of our paper will present a critical analytical translation study of different types of culturemes selected from Ahlem Mostaghanemi’s novel ذاكرة الجسد (Zakirat Al-Jasad) and its French translation Mémoire de la chair by Mohammed Mokeddem, examining subjectivity of the translator and how these elements are rendered in Arabic and French.

Keywords

Ahlem Mostaghanemi Mohammed Mokeddem; Literary Translation; Antoine Berman ; Marcel Proust ; subjectivity ; Umberto Eco. ; Mohammed Mokeddem ; Literary Translation ; Antoine Berman ; Marcel Proust ; subjectivity ; Umberto Eco ; Ahlem Mosteghanemi