Translating Animal Names in Kalilah wa Dimnah into Malay Using an Image Search Engine

Kalilah wa Dimnah is a collection of fables originating from Arabic literature, also known for using animal characters to represent human qualities and deliver moral lessons. The animals play a critical role in conveying these messages, making their accurate translation essential. This study delves into translating animal names from the Arabic text of Kalilah wa Dimnah into Malay. It explores the potential of using image search engines, specifically Google Images, as a tool to aid translators in this task. The study employs a qualitative method using text analysis. A total of nine (9) data were selected purposively in this study. The study focusses on lesser-known animal names in Malay. The translation process involved three key steps: 1. Meaning Determination: Using Arabic-Malay dictionaries, the researchers identified the intended meaning of each animal name within the Arabic context. 2. Image Search: Next, they employed Google's image search engine to find pictures of the corresponding animals. 3. Contextual Analysis: Finally, they analyzed the retrieved images based on the linguistic meaning established in step one, ensuring the visuals align with the intended message in the translated text. The study demonstrated the efficiency of Google's image search engine in aiding translators, particularly when dealing with visually identifiable subjects like animals and plants. By providing images for reference, the search engine aids in visualizing the creatures and understanding their characteristics. Nevertheless, as image search engine generates a large sum of images in a query, over-reliance on this digital tool, in doubt, may lead to misinterpretation. The study emphasizes that the translator's role remains crucial to ensure an accurate and nuanced translation that captures the essence of the original text. The findings show that image search engine successfully clarified the translation of animal names in Kalilah wa Dimnah. In conclusion, this research develops a practical translation method in understanding cultural and literal nuances by using image search engine.