Semantic Features of Ironic Expressions in Putin’s Public Speeches and Challenges of Their Translation Into Arabic

This article examines the semantic characteristics of ironic expressions in the public speeches of Russian president Vladimir Putin and the challenges associated with their translation into Arabic. Irony, as a rhetorical device, plays a pivotal role in political discourse by enabling subtle criticism, enhancing rhetorical impact, and shaping the image of a confident leader. However, translating irony into Arabic is complicated by intercultural differences rooted in the rhetorical traditions and cultural norms of the Arab world, where public irony, particularly directed at authority figures, may be perceived as a breach of politeness. Drawing on authentic texts of Putin’s speeches (SPIEF 2022 and 2024, Valdai Discussion Club 2022, Address to the Federal Assembly 2023) and their Arabic translations, the study explores types of irony (verbal, sarcastic, euphemistic, contextual) and their pragmatic functions, including amplifying rhetorical effect, conveying criticism, and reinforcing leadership identity. Intercultural barriers, such as the loss of implied meanings and stylistic nuances due to strict norms of respect in Arab culture, are identified. Translation strategies—functional-equivalent translation, explanatory adaptation, and compensation—are analyzed, demonstrating their effectiveness in preserving communicative intent. Recommendations for translators emphasize cultural adaptation and the use of Arabic linguistic tools to convey ironic subtext. The research contributes to the theory of intercultural pragmatics and translation studies, offering practical solutions for translators and intercultural communication specialists. Its findings can inform translator training and the development of methodologies for translating political discourse.