Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Arabic term or phrase:
wasat al-dar
English translation:
(in) the middle of the house
Added to glossary by
Sheila Hardie
Sep 6, 2002 15:16
21 yrs ago
1 viewer *
Arabic term
wasat al-dar
Arabic to English
Art/Literary
Architecture
Morrocan houses and gardens
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'?
Any help would be very gratefully received.
Sheila
Many thanks in advance,
Sheila
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'?
Any help would be very gratefully received.
Sheila
Many thanks in advance,
Sheila
Proposed translations
(English)
4 | inner courtyard | Fuad Yahya |
5 +1 | wasat al-dar | Magdy Zaky |
5 | In the middle of the house | Zareh Darakjian Ph.D. |
5 | The middle/heart of the house | Dikran |
Change log
Jan 2, 2006 06:30: Fuad Yahya changed "Field" from "Other" to "Art/Literary" , "Field (specific)" from "(none)" to "Architecture"
Proposed translations
6 hrs
Selected
inner courtyard
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
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
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
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"
5 mins
In the middle of the house
In the center of the house
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Note added at 2002-09-06 15:24:23 (GMT)
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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..
--------------------------------------------------
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..
+1
13 mins
wasat al-dar
Wasat means middle or center
Dar means house
wasat al-dar = middle of the house or center of the house.
Magdy Zaky
Dar means house
wasat al-dar = middle of the house or center of the house.
Magdy Zaky
1 hr
The middle/heart of the house
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.
Following is a photo of "wasat-al-dar"
http://riadlouna.free.fr/545.jpg
HTH
Dikran
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Note added at 2002-09-06 17:29:46 (GMT)
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Sheila,
I think wasat-al-dar is the courtyard which includes the garden with the fountain in the middle.
HTH
Dikran
Following is a photo of "wasat-al-dar"
http://riadlouna.free.fr/545.jpg
HTH
Dikran
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Note added at 2002-09-06 17:29:46 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Sheila,
I think wasat-al-dar is the courtyard which includes the garden with the fountain in the middle.
HTH
Dikran
Discussion