Translating Speech Functions for Readability: Interpersonal Meaning in the Indonesian Translation of Surah Yasin

Background: Speech functions in Qur'anic translation influence how statements, questions, commands, and offers are interpreted interpersonally. Examining their realization and readability is essential to determine whether translated clauses preserve accessible communicative functions for Indonesian readers. Objective: This study investigates the realization, organization, and readability of speech functions in the Indonesian translation of Surah Yasin published by the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. Based on Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), it examines speech functions as interpersonal-semantic resources through which clauses realize different communicative purposes. Methods: This study employed a descriptive qualitative design using Halliday and Matthiessen’s interpersonal metafunction, Spradley’s domain, taxonomic, componential, and thematic analyses, and an adapted three-point readability scale based on Nababan. The data consist of 129 clause-level speech-function realizations from 83 verses of Surah Yasin. Results: The findings reveal that all four primary speech-function domains are realized and differentiated according to their contextual interpersonal meanings. Interrogative clauses are not limited to seeking information but also function as rhetorical challenges, reminders, and reflections. The readability analysis shows that 107 realizations (82.9%) are highly readable, 20 (15.5%) have medium readability, and 2 (1.6%) have low readability. Readability is closely related to grammatical, lexical, and contextual cues that help readers recognize speech functions and intentions. Conclusion: This study contributes to SFL-based translation research by connecting speech-function analysis with interpersonal readability in Qur'anic translation.