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Arabic to English translations [PRO] Art/Literary - Architecture / Morrocan houses and gardens
Arabic term or phrase:wasat al-dar
This is yet another question from the text I am translating from German to English about Moroccan gardens and cities. In the German original they are talking about Fez and describing a house (Dar el Aman). They call the inner courtyard a 'wasat al-dar'. Would that be the correct translation?
I am rather confused because names relating to the inner courtyard of the typical houses in the medina have already caused me some problems - cf. riad/riyad! So, I wonder, what is the difference between what the author called 'riyad' but is in fact known as 'jarda' in Morocco - i.e. the inner courtyard of a 'riad' (the typical house in the medina with its inner courtyard with fountain, axial paths, mosaics, citrus trees etc.) and this 'wasat al-dar'?
Explanation: As was pointed out, WASAT AL-DAR simply means either "middle of the house" or "in the middle of the house." In other words, WASAT is sometimes used as a noun, other times as a preposition. Based on your description of the German text, the author is probably using the term as a noun.
The inner courtyard in a riad is called JARDA. The expression WASAT AL-DAR is not a name, but merely a description. There is no need for phonetically transcribing the Arabic description in a German or English text. The author is either confused, thinking it the Arabic name of the inner courtyard, or is simply following the grand tradition of Orientalism, where writings are peppered by untranslated Arabic terms to give the subject matter a wholly exotic flavor, or to show off the author's knowledge of Arabic. This is similar to using the Arabic word ALLAH in reference to God whenever the context is Islamic. Do you remember how American reporters referred the Iranian parliament as the "majlis" during the hostage crisis? The idea is to make it sound outlandish.
Many thanks to all of you for your answers. Fuad, you have really helped me understand this confusing text, I am very grateful. Sheila 4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer
Thank you very much for the references - is 'wasat al-dar' the name commonly used to refer to these 'inner courtyard gardens' in the Morocco riads - or can they also be known as 'jarda' (copied from the French, jardin)? Many thanks!
I think 'dar' means house, doens't it? But I am not sure about 'wasat' or what the whole think means when put together. Thanks!
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Answers
5 mins confidence:
In the middle of the house
Explanation: In the center of the house
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 2002-09-06 15:24:23 (GMT) --------------------------------------------------
The above is a literal translation. It makes sense, however, for it to refer to
a courtyard. Not totally sure though. Even though I am proficient in Arabic,
yet there are some differences in dialects..
Explanation: The Riyad is the traditional shape of a Moroccan house, with grand salons giving onto a central tiled courtyard. The traditional Riyad often has a garden at the center. The house typically has no windows onto the street outside. Instead, all windows open inward to the open-air central courtyard that is the heart of the house.
Explanation: As was pointed out, WASAT AL-DAR simply means either "middle of the house" or "in the middle of the house." In other words, WASAT is sometimes used as a noun, other times as a preposition. Based on your description of the German text, the author is probably using the term as a noun.
The inner courtyard in a riad is called JARDA. The expression WASAT AL-DAR is not a name, but merely a description. There is no need for phonetically transcribing the Arabic description in a German or English text. The author is either confused, thinking it the Arabic name of the inner courtyard, or is simply following the grand tradition of Orientalism, where writings are peppered by untranslated Arabic terms to give the subject matter a wholly exotic flavor, or to show off the author's knowledge of Arabic. This is similar to using the Arabic word ALLAH in reference to God whenever the context is Islamic. Do you remember how American reporters referred the Iranian parliament as the "majlis" during the hostage crisis? The idea is to make it sound outlandish.
I suggest "inner courtyard."
Fuad
Fuad Yahya Native speaker of: Arabic, English PRO pts in category: 8
Grading comment
Many thanks to all of you for your answers. Fuad, you have really helped me understand this confusing text, I am very grateful. Sheila
The translation workplace 
peer agreement (net): +1
