This book is an introduction to semantics for students and researchers who are new to the field, especially those interested in Arabic–English translation and Arabic–English contrastive studies. The book first presents key concepts in semantics, pragmatics, semiotics, syntax and morphology and gradually introduces readers to the central questions of semantics. These issues are then analysed and discussed in conjunction with the act of translating between Arabic and English. Seeking a balance between theoretical developments and empirical investigation, the book thus provides both a systematic overview of semantics and an application in the field of English and Arabic contrastive semantics, hence offering a resource for students and teachers of Arabic–English translation.

Ali Almanna has a PhD in Translation Studies from the University of Durham and is Associate Professor of Linguistics and Translation at Sohar University, Sultanate of Oman. He is a specialist in translation theory, particularly the theoretical annotation of translation. His recent publications include The Routledge Course in Translation Annotation.