Differences between English and Arabic Body Idioms ‎

Abstract

An idiom is a form of speech that contains a hidden meaning. Culture had an important role in translating idioms. Therefore, a translator needs to be aware of the culture of both languages. This research was conducted to clarify the importance of body-related idioms in our daily life and how to use them to communicate easily with others. The problem that the researchers were studying was that the idioms are not literally translated, but we understood them from the context of the speech. The result of this study showed the appropriate use of idioms in the Arabic language and their equivalent in the English language. Also, the same body part words were used in both Arabic and English idioms but each one them had a different meaning. The obtained results might enable teachers and EFL students of translation to know when and how to use body idioms.