The Transformation of the Meaning of Qalb from Arabic to Malay: A Semantic and Contextual Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the contextual translation of the Arabic term qalb (قلب) into Malay through a denotative-connotative semantic framework. Although qalb is commonly rendered as hati in Malay, such a translation may not always capture the full semantic range of the term, particularly in contexts where qalb is associated with physical, cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and moral functions. The main issue addressed in this study is the semantic ambiguity that arises when qalb is translated through a single fixed equivalent without considering its contextual orientation. Adopting a qualitative library-based approach, this study analyses selected occurrences of qalb in the Qur’an, Prophetic hadiths, and classical Arabic poetry.
The analysis is guided by a denotative-connotative framework that distinguishes between denotative-anatomical, denotative-cognitive, connotative-emotional, connotative-spiritual, and connotative-metaphorical usages. The findings suggest that jantung is more suitable when qalb is used denotatively, either in reference to the physical organ or in contexts involving cognitive functions such as reasoning, understanding, and reflection. Meanwhile, hati and kalbu are more appropriate in connotative contexts involving emotion, spirituality, faith, morality, and metaphorical expression. The study also treats modern scientific discussions on the cognitive role of the heart as supplementary perspectives rather than definitive proof. This study contributes to Arabic-Malay translation studies by proposing a systematic framework for translating qalb according to its semantic function and textual context.