Abstract
Language is a medium of communication that allows its users to accurately express exactly what they wish to convey. The development of a language is a gradual process that spans centuries; within those long years, cultural, religious and geographic factors play an important role in the formation of words, phrases and idioms, according to the needs and lifestyles of the people speaking that language. Due to these cultural and contextual differences, it becomes difficult for translators to accurately translate words or phrases from one language to the other, without losing the essence of the original text in the process. Literature and language are so closely related to culture that translating idioms or figures of speech often seem to appear nonsensical and ludicrous in the translated language due to the difference in cultural context. This article will discuss some of the cultural differences between the Arabs and non-Arabs that a translator must be acquainted with. The article will also touch on the nature of translation, what really should be translated– words, texts or meanings? In the end the author will mention some personal experiences in which the comparison between two translators will be made; one exposed to various cultures and the other not so exposed. Analytical, descriptive and inductive methods will be used.