Lost in Translation or Born Anew: Decoding the Artistic Expression of Transcreation

This paper seeks to undertake an exploration of the concept of transcreation by employing the framework of the hermeneutic circle, a theoretical construct that facilitates the understanding of meaning through a circular movement between the text itself and its comprehensive meaning as a whole, encompassing its constituent elements. Within this analytical framework, the contention put forth is that the hermeneutic circle can furnish a solid rationale for the transcreative process of translation. The present study initiates by introducing the notions of transcreation and the hermeneutic circle, thereby delving into the foundational principles of the latter in order to elucidate its role in the interpretation process. While both translation and transcreation involve the interpretation of meaning constructs, transcreation, in particular, entails a purposeful endeavor of adaptation that seeks to explore novel approaches for conveying meaning to the intended audience. Moreover, an analysis is conducted on the transcreation of Jorge Borges' work titled "Circular Ruins" into Arabic, thus presenting a compelling case wherein the hermeneutic circle validates the transcreative endeavor. By engaging in a reciprocal dialogue with the source text, a transcreative interpretation is established, breathing new vitality into the original work. The present study posits that transcreation possesses significant artistic value and stands as a legitimate form of creative expression. It is argued that the hermeneutic circle, with its philosophical underpinnings, furnishes a compelling justification for this assertion, thus reinforcing the significance of transcreation as a means of captivating audiences and broadening the frontiers of artistic representation.