CONSTRUCTING MENTAL IMAGERY THROUGH QURANIC FIGURATIVE EXPRESSIONS: A READER-RESPONSE STUDY OF ENGLISH JUZ ‘AMMA TRANSLATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21009/ishel.v2i1.69024Keywords:
quranic figurative expressions, mental imagery, reader response, cognitive linguistics, quran translation, juz ‘ammaAbstract
This study explores how readers construct mental imagery when interpreting Quranic figurative expressions in the English translation of Juz ‘Amma. Previous studies have primarily focused on the identification and translation of Quranic metaphors, while the cognitive experiences of readers in constructing meaning remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate how figurative expressions stimulate visual, sensory, and symbolic mental imagery among readers. Employing a qualitative reader-response approach, this study involved six participants who responded to selected figurative expressions from Arthur J. Arberry’s English translation of Juz ‘Amma. Data were collected through open-ended questions and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal three main patterns of mental imagery construction: visual imagery involving peace, protection, and spiritual transformation; sensory imagery involving relief, calmness, and emotional experience; and symbolic interpretation connecting figurative expressions with faith, hope, and personal experiences. The study demonstrates that Quranic figurative expressions function not only as linguistic features but also as cognitive resources that enable readers to transform abstract spiritual concepts into meaningful mental and emotional experiences. This research contributes to cognitive linguistics, figurative language studies, and Quranic translation research by highlighting the role of reader experience in meaning construction.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ninin Herlina, Andy Hadiyanto, Samsi Setiadi
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