Statement of the problem Knowledge of the world, which is considered as one of the main issues discussed in pragmatics can be helpful in getting accurate perceptions through different contexts. The lack of this knowledge may cause pragmatic problems of translation. Also, it is worth mentioning here that translation and pragmatics are given as two separate modules in the course program offered by the Translation Departments. These modules are usually taught by different teachers and the students are expected not to ignore or misunderstand the overlapping relationship between them. More importantly, they are not informed or instructed to be knowledgeable in the interrelated relationship between pragmatics and translation, and to put their knowledge into practice in their translation performances as well.
Generally speaking, translation of the pragmatic aspects is a constant hurdle as the translators' mission here is not only to render the linguistic particles but also to match the appropriate cultural and conventional dimensions of the source and the target languages. Hence, this paper is intended to investigate the role of pragmatics in translation, and to figure out the profound problems and difficulties the translators face in rendering the pragmatic aspects in their translations.
Objectives of the Study This current study is intended to achieve the following two objectives:
To examine the role of pragmatics in English-Arabic translation.
To identify the kinds of the problems and difficulties that the translators face in rendering the pragmatic aspects.
Questions of the Study The study is comprised of two specific questions about the pragmatic role in translation and the problems and difficulties that face translators as follows:
1. Does pragmatics play a crucial role in English-Arabic translation?
2. What are the problems and difficulties that face translators in rendering the pragmatic aspects in English-Arabic translation?
