Translator Ayah Najadat explains how Arabic mistranslations are used as a weapon against Palestinians

Ayah Najadat is a translator and language student who is passionate about correcting mistranslations that are used to distort the truth and manipulate perceptions. Through her work, she has brought attention to the way Arabic is often mistranslated in ways that harm Palestinians. According to Najadat, these mistranslations are not accidental, but are instead “weaponised” to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and narratives about Palestinians.

Najadat has highlighted several examples of mistranslations that have had damaging effects on the Palestinian community. One example she has pointed out is the mistranslation of the word “shaheed,” which means martyr in Arabic, but is often translated as “terrorist” in English. This mistranslation has been used to demonize Palestinians and justify violence against them.

In addition to mistranslations that vilify Palestinians, Najadat has also worked to correct mistranslations that erase Palestinian history and identity. She has highlighted the mistranslation of “Nakba,” which means “catastrophe” in Arabic and refers to the Palestinian exodus of 1948. This mistranslation has been used to downplay the significance of the Palestinian experience and erase the trauma of dispossession and displacement.

Najadat’s work is significant because it highlights the power of language and translation in shaping perceptions and narratives. She has emphasized the need for accurate and nuanced translations to ensure that the voices and experiences of Palestinians are not misrepresented or silenced.

In addition to her translation work, Najadat has also advocated for greater awareness and sensitivity around language and translation. She has called for journalists, politicians, and others in positions of influence to be mindful of the impact of mistranslations and to prioritize authentic and respectful representation of Arabic and Palestinian voices.

Najadat’s efforts are part of a larger movement to challenge the ways in which language can be used as a tool of oppression and misinformation. By bringing attention to the weaponization of mistranslations, she is contributing to a deeper understanding of the ways in which language can be manipulated and distorted to serve political agendas.

In a time when misinformation and propaganda are rampant, the work of translators like Ayah Najadat is essential in ensuring that diverse and marginalized voices are accurately and fairly represented. Through her dedication to correcting mistranslations, Najadat is playing a crucial role in advocating for justice and equity in the realm of language and communication.