English Past Progressive Aspect in Arabic Translation: Theoretical and Textual Considerations

This paper deals with the translation of English past progressive into Arabic by examining both theoretical and textual considerations. First, it shows how aspect formally corresponds to auxiliary verb كان ‘was’ plus simple present (SP) form or active particle (AP) form. Second, is argued that choice between SP AP subject several grammatical semantic constraints on verbs: [+/- transitive], telic], completed], manner motion]. Third, data (70 examples) drawn from two existing translations indicates many procedures are employed render progressive, mainly including (48.57%), (22.85%), formal correspondence (18.57%), lexicalizing (7.14%). Finally, qualitative analysis reveals progressiveness, emphasis, dramatization may communicate seriously compromised in translation. While there be cases where some mismatches verbs exist terms progressiveness which call for use lexicalizing, procedure claimed most valid appropriate capturing functions progressive.