Abstract

Purpose: This study is an attempt to evaluate the application of telegraphic grammar in the context English-Arabic medical translation, and focuses on accuracy, cultural adaptation, and patient safety. Methodology: It adopts a qualitative analysis for six medical product leaflets. It was conducted through comparing student translations (N=30) against professional versions of translation which use a rubric assessing terminological precision, telegraphic appropriateness, and readability. Findings: The study finds that 47% of errors stemmed from omitting the functional words in telegraphic structures, while adapted translations enhanced the patient's comprehension by 32%. Accordingly, a hybrid approach of literal and functional translation proved effective. Research implications: The current study proposes to use standardized telegraphic guidelines for medical Arabic and inserting clinical jargon with cultural competence when teaching English.