Dr. Ibrahim Hammad is participating in a conference at the Arab Open University in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University, presenting a research paper titled "Vocabulary Semantics in the Sign Language Rendering of Al-Fatihah".
The study aimed to identify the semantic representation of sign language vocabulary in the Holy Quran: Surah Al-Fatiha as a model, and to affirm that sign language can effectively convey the meanings of the Quranic vocabulary. The researchers used a qualitative approach by analyzing the sign language vocabulary presented in the interpretation of Surah Al-Fatiha and comparing its semantics with those of spoken Arabic.
The study tools included a video clip of the interpreter Yahya bin Abdulrahman Juma and the book Tayseer Al-Kareem Al-Rahman fi Tafsir Kalam Al-Mannan by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Saadi, chosen for its clarity, simplicity, and widespread acceptance.
The results indicated that the overall semantic indication of vocabulary in sign language was clear and conveyed accurate meanings, except for certain abstract terms whose semantic rendering was less precise in Arabic, such as "Ar-Rahman" (The Most Merciful) and "Maliki Yawmid-Deen" (Master of the Day of Judgment). The study also highlighted the need for a more precise translation of concepts like “guidance" in Ihdina al-sirat al-mustaqeem, where an inaccurate rendering could shift the theological implications of the verse.
The analysis emphasized that a thorough understanding of the semantic dimensions of Quranic vocabulary enables interpreters to present clearer meanings in sign language. For example, a deep understanding of the phrase “Alhamdulillah" leads to a more faithful and meaningful sign translation. Competency in both the source language (Arabic) and the target language (sign language) is essential to avoid vague or incorrect interpretations.
The findings also suggested that tangible vocabulary—such as “path" and “those who have earned Your anger"—was easier to convey, while abstract or theological terms like “sirat," “ni'ma," and “dhalleen" posed more difficulty in maintaining semantic integrity. Poor translation negatively affects the individual semantic components.
Moreover, the study found no standardized method to represent the semantic significance of some sign vocabulary, which may force the interpreter to rely on approximation. This lack of clarity can hinder accurate understanding for sign language users.
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