Professor Abdelrahman Al Dirbiji: A Distinguished Model of the Professional Translator in the Arab World
by
Mohammed Al-Mekhlafi
A Yemeni writer and journalist
Professor Abdelrahman Abdrabou Al Dirbiji’s academic odyssey began in Sudan, where he undertook his high school studies primarily in English, with the notable exceptions of Arabic and Islamic studies. During this formative period, he assumed a leadership role in the English Language Club and served as the editor-in-chief of the club’s monthly magazine. These endeavors were not mere pastimes but pivotal milestones that significantly nurtured his linguistic abilities and intellectual development.
In 1973, he enrolled in the English Department at the Faculty of Arts, Omdurman Islamic University, graduating with honors in June 1977. His university years were marked by active participation in extracurricular activities that enriched his academic experience and fostered social skills.
Upon returning to Yemen, he was appointed as a teaching assistant in the English Department at Sana’a University. However, his aspirations extended far beyond this initial position. In August,1978, he made a transformative decision to pursue graduate studies at Portland University in Oregon, USA. There, he excelled academically, earning a master’s degree in English Language and Literature by May 1980, achieving a remarkable cumulative GPA exceeding 3.5 (A+). During this time, he also gained practical experience as an English teacher for non-native speakers.
In August 1980, he embarked on his doctoral studies in Teaching English as a Second Language, focusing on the works of Nobel Prize-winning authors such as Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, and William Faulkner. Throughout this period, he collaborated with the Curriculum and Instruction Department as a teaching assistant, further refining his pedagogical skills. By May 1983, he had earned his Ph.D. in English from Kansas State University, once more with a cumulative GPA exceeding 3.5 on a four-point scale. Following this significant achievement, he returned to Yemen to serve as an assistant professor in the English Language and Literature Department.
His academic career has flourished, marked by his promotion to associate professor in 1993 and subsequently to full professor in 1997. Throughout his professional journey, he has actively engaged in providing translation services to both local and international partners, underscoring his commitment to fostering cultural communication and mutual understanding. His translation work spans written translations and conference interpretations, including significant legal documents such as the Constitution of the Republic of Yemen.
Professional Experience
He served as a visiting professor under the Fulbright Program, collaborating with the Linguistics Department at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA, from 1987 to 1988. He later held the position of director of the Master’s program in Translation at King Saud University from 1988 to 1991. During the 1995/1996 academic year, he distinguished himself as a visiting professor at the Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in the UK, under the esteemed supervision of Professor Mona Baker, a prominent figure in translation studies. In the summer of 1997, he further enhanced his credentials as a visiting professor in the Translation Program at the University of East Anglia, a visit fully funded by the British Council in Yemen.
Currently, he is a research fellow at Leipzig’s Institute for Oriental and Translation Studies, having previously served as a research fellow at the Salzburg Global Seminar in Austria during the summer of 1998. These diverse experiences have enriched his knowledge and provided profound insights into the fields of education and translation, reinforcing his ongoing commitment to skill development and the promotion of cultural understanding.
In addition, he maintains an active Facebook page dedicated to showcasing the advantages of high-quality translations. This platform aims to raise awareness about the importance of effective translation and its crucial role in bridging cultural divides. Through his posts, he shares extensive experiences in the field of translation, reflecting his dedication to delivering rich and accurate cultural content, allowing his followers to engage with and learn about his latest endeavors in this vital domain.
His professional journey illustrates how diverse academic experiences can enhance understanding and communication between cultures, enriching educational experiences and elevating the value of cultural exchange.
Translated Texts by Professor Abdelrahman Al Dirbiji
I have selected three texts translated by Professor Abdelrahman Al Dirbaji, which exemplify his mastery of the art of translation:
- عادت كل النساء بالماء. بقيت أنا غارقًا في العطش
— ظافر مراد
In rural areas at home, women are customarily busy fetching water around the clock. In contrast, I often reflect on such sweeping events under the spell of thirst, anticipating even a drop of water to save my life.
- لا أنت بعيد فأنساك … و لا أنت قريب فألقاك… و لا أنت لي فيطمئن قلبي … و لا أنا محروم منك لأنساك. أنت في منتصف كل شيء
— محمود درويش
You are not that far away so I may confine your memory to oblivion. By the same token, you are not in close proximity so I may seek a reunion with you. It is disheartening that you are not my co-pilot so I could rest assured of our partnership in love. It is equally true that you are not totally off-limits to me to do away with your memory for life. You are always THE HALF WAY THROUGH OF MY LIFE.
- العفة هي المعادل الموضوعي للسمو والرقي الأخلاقي للإنسان ولا علاقة لها بالنوع الاجتماعي
Virtue, chastity, and integrity are the objective correlatives to the ethical elevation of all human beings, irrespective of their gender orientation. This is a gender-free issue
These texts showcase the power and beauty of language, embodying Professor Abdelrahman Al Dirbiji’s distinctive style of translation. He is recognized as a pioneer in this field, distinguished by his ability to convey meanings with accuracy and depth, thereby enriching cultural and literary texts.
Professor Al Dirbiji firmly believes that translation transcends mere word conversion; it is a creative act that requires advanced linguistic and cultural skills in both languages. For literary texts reliant on rhetoric and beauty, the translator must balance the musical rhythm and poetic resonance of the original work to reproduce it authentically and elegantly. In narrative texts, specific standards must be adhered to to convey the pulse and intricacies of the story with professionalism.
Despite the significant challenges facing his homeland, where Yemen grapples with internal conflicts adversely affecting its people, Professor Al Dirbiji remains resolute. He continues to enrich the academic landscape with his valuable insights and contributions.
The journey of Professor Abdelrahman Al Dirbiji is an inspiring tale of commitment and learning in the realms of language and translation. Through his diverse academic experiences, he has forged bridges of understanding and communication between cultures, reflecting his dedication to education and the advancement of knowledge. His excellence in the art of translation extends beyond mere word-for-word conversion; it encompasses the conveyance of emotions and ideas, rendering his works both rich and expressive. In the face of adversity, Professor Al Dirbaiji stands as a beacon of optimism and creativity, inspiring future generations in their pursuit of excellence and growth.
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