Negotiating Indonesian Cultural Identity in the Arabic Translation of the Novel Gadis Kretek

Abstract

Cultural translation in novels requires balancing fidelity to the source culture with acceptability in the target culture. This study examines the negotiation of cultural identity in the Arabic translation of Gadis Kretek. Using a qualitative descriptive design with comparative and interpretative approaches, the research analyses linguistic units, words and phrases reflecting Indonesian culture and their Arabic equivalents. The data sources include Ratih Kumala’s Gadis Kretek and its Arabic version Fātatu As-Sajair, translated by Mohammed Ramadhan. Data were collected through reading and note-taking, then analysed by classification, comparison, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that cultural identity negotiation occurs across various domains, including material culture, social practices, address forms, religious expressions, ecology, gestures, and political references. The negotiation is primarily shaped by linguistic and cultural differences between Indonesian and Arabic. The translator successfully maintains a balance between cultural fidelity and readability in the target text. This study contributes to cultural translation and intercultural communication research by demonstrating how cultural meanings are mediated and transformed. It underscores the need for translators to understand socio-cultural contexts to preserve message authenticity and intercultural intelligibility.