Bridging Cultures Through Words: A Study of Arabic Translation History and Malayalam Literary Exchange

Abstract

Translation is more than a linguistic act; it is a powerful cultural bridge that fosters mutual understanding between diverse societies. The Arabic translation tradition, with roots stretching back to the pre-Islamic era and flourishing during the Abbasid Golden Age - particularly under Caliph al-Ma’mun’s patronage - preserved and transmitted global knowledge that later fueled the European Renaissance. This paper explores the historic depth and modern evolution of Arabic translation activities, focusing on the growing field of Malayalam-Arabic literary translation. While Arabic-to-Malayalam translations have long contributed to Kerala’s religious and intellectual landscape, the more recent wave of Malayalam works rendered into Arabic reveals a dynamic shift, showcasing how Malayalam literature is increasingly being introduced to the Arab world. The paper also examines the challenges of preserving regional nuance and cultural essence in translation and emphasizes the importance of this literary exchange in fostering intercultural dialogue between Kerala and the Arab world.