Metaphors of modality in the Indonesian translation of the qur’an

Abstract

This study focuses on the Indonesian translation of the Qur’an, specifically examining how interpersonal metaphors of modality—particularly obligation—are realized within the text. Utilizing Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), and more precisely the theory of grammatical metaphor, this research investigates the linguistic mechanisms by which obligation is conveyed in the translated Qur’anic clauses. The study aims to (1) describe the metaphorical realizations of obligation in the Qur’anic translation, and (2) explain their communicative functions and intended meanings.

Conducted within a qualitative paradigm, the data consists of clauses containing obligation-type modality, analyzed using Halliday’s interpersonal metaphor framework (2014). The findings reveal that obligation is often expressed through nominalization and verbalization. In other words, meanings associated with obligation (such as harus (must), bisa (can), boleh (may) are represented in the form of nouns or verbs. Some examples include : tidak ada kewajiban bagimu (“there is no obligation upon you”), and diwajibkan atasmu (“it is made obligatory upon you”). These expressions demonstrate high obligation values and show how modality is metaphorically encoded. Besides, a verbalization of the Islamic terms like halal and haram is also commonly found as modulation metaphors, as seen in the verbs like diharamkan and dihalalkan.