The Language and Religion: Manifestations and Interpretation research group stands at the intersection of two of humanity's most influential domains: language and religion. Our group explores the intricate ways in which linguistic expression shapes, reflects, and transforms religious beliefs and practices, while also considering how religious contexts inform language use and interpretation. The significance of this research lies not only in advancing academic understanding but also in fostering meaningful dialogue between cultures and belief systems. Our collaborations with scholars, institutions, and communities across diverse fields of study enhance the richness of our work, allowing us to approach these complex topics from a variety of perspectives. Through our partnerships, we aim to bridge gaps, challenge assumptions, and contribute to a deeper understanding of how language and religion intersect in both local and global contexts. This section highlights the value of our research group's interdisciplinary collaborations, underscoring the essential role these partnerships play in expanding the scope and impact of our collective inquiry.
1- The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (https://riifs.org/en/)
The University of Jordan's Language and Religion: Manifestations and Interpretations research group and the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies have established a collaborative partnership aimed at advancing interdisciplinary research on language, religion, and interfaith dialogue.
The research group focuses on exploring the intricate relationship between language and religion, analyzing how religious beliefs shape linguistic expressions in Arabic and other world languages. Their research delves into the pragmaticization, discourse features, and cultural manifestations of religious formulas, providing a nuanced understanding of how language and religion influence each other.
The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies, established in 1994 in Amman, Jordan, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue. The institute aims to foster mutual respect and understanding among different religious and cultural communities through research, education, and outreach programs.
The partnership between the research group and the institute facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise, enriching both institutions' research endeavors. Collaborative projects and joint initiatives enable the development of comprehensive studies that address contemporary issues related to language, religion, and interfaith relations.
2- The Association of Professors of English and Translation at Arab Universities (APETAU)(http://www.apetau.com/index.php#)
APETAU was established in 1997 during the First International Conference on Arabic- English Contrastive and Comparative Studies which was held at the University of Jordan. (17-21 August). More than 150 professors and researchers representing most Arab countries participated in this conference. The participants came from the following Arab countries: Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya. Our partnership with APETAU has been highly productive. We publish some of our research findings in the International Journal of Arab English Studies (IJAES; https://ijaes2011.net/index.php/IJAES), a prestigious journal under their umbrella. In return, we benefit from their expertise in fostering robust research in language and religion. This collaboration facilitates exploring the relationship between language and religion, particularly through modern analytical tools, providing new insights and strengthening academic ties within this interdisciplinary field.
A recent publication from our research group in the International Journal of Arabic-English Studies (IJAES) is titled "She Has The Heart! Communicative Strategies of the Linguistic Expressions of Illnesses in Jordanian Arabic and the Effect of Religion in Their Manifestation" by Naqrash, N., Jarrah, M., Ali, S., & Allawzi, A. (2024). The paper explores how illnesses are expressed linguistically in Jordanian Arabic, focusing on the impact of religion on these expressions. For more details, see the journal : https://ijaes2011.net/index.php/IJAES/article/view/710 .
3- The Jordanian Translators Association (JTA)
JTA, established in 1976, plays a crucial role in advancing the field of translation in Jordan and the Arab world. It serves as a professional body for translators and interpreters, offering support, guidance, and advocacy for individuals working in the language services industry. The association's primary aim is to enhance the quality of translation and interpretation, ensuring that these services meet international standards.
One of the association's key objectives is to promote the professional development of translators. It organizes workshops, seminars, and conferences that help members stay up to date with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in translation. The JTA also encourages networking among translators, providing opportunities for them to exchange knowledge and experience, which is essential in such a diverse and rapidly evolving field.
The association is actively involved in addressing issues faced by translators, such as ethical concerns, fair compensation, and working conditions. It also plays a vital role in fostering collaboration with other international translation organizations, contributing to the global exchange of best practices in the profession.